South Landing Trail--About Bridlington

South Landing Trail

Follow this trail to the east of a deep natural gully and see migrating birds sheltering from strong sea winds and feeding.

Start Point	South Landing car park
End Point	South Landing car park
Towns & Villages	Flamborough, Marton and Sewerby
Parish	Flamborough
Start Easting	523,039.00
Start Northing	469,498.00
End Easting	523,039.00
End Northing	469,498.00

Details
Circular Walk	Yes
Grade	Easy
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map	301
Car Parking Facility	South Landing
Refreshments	None
Public Conveniences	Flamborough, North Landing
Distance Distance(Miles)	1
Distance (Kilometres)	1.6
Lengthened Distance (Miles)	1
Shortened Distance (Miles)	1

The Walk

Cross the bridge and follow the track between the woodland and meadow. This is a good place for watching butterflies as the 'edges' between different habitats often support lots of species.
At the cliff top, there is a magnificent view over Bridlington Bay. How far can you see along the coast?
You return to the car park along a winding track past what used to be the 'Timoneer Hotel'. It was once Cliff House Farm, built in 1865 by the Duke of Norfolk for a son who died before it was completed. To the right of the entrance is a whale's jawbone, one of a pair that once formed an arch to the garden and a reminder that large whales are still spotted off this coast.

Features of Interest

- Flamborough had a significant port from the early 14th to the late 16th century. A wooden pier was mentioned in 1400 when Robert Constable left �40 for its maintenance. However, it is not mentioned after 1569. Its most famous visitor was in August 1561 when two ships anchored close to the pier. They flew two flags; one was blue with the Arms of France and the other silver-white. On board was Mary Stuart sailing from France to claim the crown of Scotland.
- In later years many coal-carrying ships unloaded at South Landing to avoid paying the port tax at Bridlington. Flamborough fishermen had boats at North and South Landing, and depending on the tides and winds would sail from the more sheltered one. Both Landings had a lifeboat, and the first one to South Landing came in 1871. The various boats saved over 108 lives before it closed in 1938.
Seaplanes were also launched from here during the First World War and the concrete base can still be seen.
- In February 1992, a 70-feet Fin Whale was washed up on the beach near to Sewerby. All large whales are uncommon but it's quite common to see porpoises (a type of small whale) and seals around the headland. It is interesting to note that under Anglo-Saxon law, any place where a whale was washed ashore could be named a port...the port of Sewerby, anyone?