Special sea view
When the Caravan Club boast that Old Hartley is the best view on the network, they have to be right. The assistant warden was waiting ready to log us in and allocate a pitch. We elect number 14, looking out to sea, standing on slightly higher ground.
The whole site slopes towards the cliffs, which given the headland shape, provides a panoramic view from Seaton Sluice down towards Tynemouth. St Mary's Island stands majestically in the centre. Formerly a coast guard station with working lighthouse beacon, it is now owned by the county and used as a social resource for school trips, education, and of course as a nature reserve. Here a plethora of seabirds dress the rocks, rock pools team with crabs, seals lift their noses on the rising tide, and Harbour porpoise flash in formation as they follow the fishing boats.
With out motorhome we roll forward onto levelling blocks, as the pitch drops away slightly to the front. This is a 'no awning' site, so the pitches are narrow, but serviceable. The slope of the site allows each pitch its own view out to sea.
Unlimited walks extend in either direction, but the trip through to Seaton Sluice is favoured. Take tea at the little tea shop there - another reason why you will want to return to Old Hartley.
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