Black Nab advice

[Little Zooey]

Well... it looks as though I am finally getting a few days up in the Dales. I can only stay three nights, so I won't be able to do much, but it will be a nice break. A friend (she used to be the receptionist at our local vet) has asked me to visit. I didn't think much of it in photographic terms, but she is now based in Saltburn by Sea, which I now discover is very close to Black Nab.

I have found a web site with more detailed information, but I was just wondering what it would be like to visit in practical terms. You may remember I went to Kilve in Somerset back in June, but I didn't walk more than 50 yards because everything was so slippery. I already have one bad leg with a fixed ankle and my balance isn't good. I don't think the tides will favour me this time - or at least, not at sunset or sunrise, but what would you recommend?

[Ian-Barber]

Black Nab is located at Saltwick Bay just behind the Whitby Abbey.

Whitby to Saltburn will take you roughly 40 minutes drive by car

To get down to the beach, you have to walk down a series of steep steps which are not the difficult if you take your time.

Once at the bottom, you have to walk out to the Nab and the Shipwreck (both are only accessible if the tide is low). It can be very slippery under foot as you walk out to the Nab.

[Little Zooey]

Thanks Ian. It is as I feared. I was pretty terrified at Kilve and I ended up using my tripod as a walking stick. Is there anything a little less treacherous I could do on my way home? I'm driving from Saltburn back to East Sussex - it would be nice to tackle something on the coast as well as doing the Dales. I've already seen Saltburn Pier, but only the one view (you and another photographer). Are there one or two spots in or around Whitby that I could try?

[Ian-Barber]

From Saltburn, I personally would either go to Staithes Fishing Village or head into Whitby where you can walk around the Pier and harbour. Whitby is flat to the feet, Staithes requires a walk down a steep cobble hill but is safe.

If you have never visited Whitby, then this is the choice I would make as it is a wonderful old place famous for Dracula of course.

You can walk unto St Marys Church and the Abbey but you will have to walk up 139 steps but there are a couple of seats on the way up and good hand rails. The view from the top is worth it though.

[Little Zooey]

Thanks once again Ian! Whitby it is then. I have never been, but I have seen some of Martin's images in the forum. Black Nab looks nice, but one photographer blamed it for two broken lenses and a damaged mobile phone. At least with Kilve I could do what I felt comfortable with and was within easy reach. Black Nab looks as though you have to get so far before you can get anything worthwhile. I heard from my friend late last night - she has fallen and broken her arm, so I don't really want to come out in sympathy.

Off to research Whitby... :)