Spurn Point: End of the world

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

Spurn Point is an exposed slither of land between the Humber estuary and the North Sea in East Yorkshire.

I’d always noticed this slim spit of territory on maps and was lucky enough to visit on a warm, sunny August day.

It’s a 7.5 mile (12km) hike to the tip of Spurn and back again, taking in beach, heathland and a few buildings including the totemic black and white lighthouse.

Spurn is peacefully desolate. You can see wildlife, look towards the city of Hull and Grimsby, photograph the landscape or just decompress.

This is a memorable place to wander around – but be aware of tide times and wild weather which could affect your visit. For me it was a touch of sunburn! Would you like to experience wild Spurn?

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A bite of Belgium

August 30, 2015July 30, 2019 / mikeosbornphoto / 16 Comments

This was a midsummer jaunt across the North Sea to our continental neighbour Belgium. What should have been a sun-blistered long weekend was dogged by inclement weather, and mostly spent dodging sharp showers and regretting the decision not to pack more appropriate attire.

These photographs were gathered from two cloudy day trips, exploring the capital Brussels and visiting the coastal city of Oostende, where the promise of cycling along the seaside boardwalk was replaced with umbrellas. While blue skies were a rare sight, the wet weather provided rich reflections, dramatically leaden skies and a wealth of detail. Bravo Belgium.

Warm thanks to Bart Vandenberghe for his hospitality, humour and enthusiasm.

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Northern shores

May 24, 2015 / mikeosbornphoto / 15 Comments

This was far away from the hustle and bustle of London life. I travelled to Northumberland in the far north of England, a place blessed with beautiful coastline and the Farne Islands, which are the domain of bird life and seals. From the seaside village of Seahouses, you can take boat trips out into the North Sea, looking back at the commanding citadel of Bamburgh Castle and getting close to the islets crowded with wildlife.

The sun stubbornly refused to show itself that day, meaning light pastel skies and rolling clouds. Photography from a boat riding a choppy ocean caused some problems – and admittedly a little biliousness. Back on dry land, the sands at Bamburgh were dotted with walkers enjoying the open spaces of a magnificent corner of the country.