A walk along Spurn’s peninsula is soothing for the mind and body at any time of the year. Wide open views in all directions, the sounds of the sea, wind and wildlife along the way, as well as plenty of scenic spots to relax, makes a day out here so rewarding. Whether you fancy trekking all 12,000 steps to Spurn Point, a paddle in the sea or a climb up the steps of Spurn Lighthouse, a walk at Spurn can be as long or short as you like.
From high summer into autumn Spurn becomes a major passing place for migrating birds, marine mammals and insects. On some days up to 20000 swifts will pass south creating the impression of a sky full of birds. As the weather changes and cools we get the sights and sounds of thousands of wading birds coming back from their northern breeding grounds to feed on the mudflats of the Humber. Put on your walking boots and step into your own journey of discovery with our top tips.
Safety first!
Before heading out, please be aware of the tide times as part of the peninsula can get cut off. Tide information is displayed around the reserve or you can ask at our Discovery Centre, which contains lots more information about this wonderful reserve (there’s also a tasty café and accessible toilets too).
Making your way
The walk all the way to ‘the Point’ is linear and there are a number of sign-posted footpaths on the nature reserve. To start your walk, or make a beeline to the beach, head down the road from the car park or Discovery Centre to the main entrance gate of the reserve. Keep going and stroll across 1km of soft sand until you reach a surfaced road. As you head further down the peninsula, you may want to walk along the beach on the seaward side and then return via the road. (We do not recommend walking along the estuary side as this is muddy and can result in disturbance to feeding/roosting birds).
Follow the way-marked paths and walk onto the beach and you’ll have made it to the very tip of Spurn. Don’t forget to snap and share a selfie once there! Now you can explore the old military buildings and look out for the wildlife found all around you, before turning back and heading up to the Discovery Centre for a well-earned cuppa!
Spurn is not only a landscape rich in wildlife but it’s a place steeped in history too. Look out for the following on your walk:
• The Royal National Lifeboat Institution station and the ‘Pride of the Humber’ boat which is moored off the end of the jetty.
• Spurn Lighthouse: built in 1895 and a fine example of Victorian architecture. It shone for an incredible 90 years until 1985. On specific days throughout the year, the lighthouse is open to visitors so please do check it is open before you begin your journey (admission fee applies).
· Right at the point you will enter what was Green Battery. Built in the First World War and added to in World War Two, this military fort stood guard at the end of Spurn to prevent enemy attack.
· During the summer months look out for wildflower meadows across the reserve. They are grazed in the winter by cattle and sheep to create a short sward, suitable for a blanket of colourful blooms.
Walking with your four-legged friend
To protect Spurn’s important wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the nature reserve. Dogs are very welcome in and around the Discovery Centre and we have dedicated dog walking routes to the north of the reserve. Dog walking routes are displayed in the car park and Discovery Centre.
Let us be your guide!
We’d love to show you around!
From guided walks, to trips aboard our Spurn Safari vehicle and bespoke birding tours, there are lots of different ways you can discover Spurn’s incredible wildlife and fascinating military and maritime history in the company of our expert guides. Head to ywt.org.uk/our-events for more information.
Please visit our Spurn web page before making your visit to this memorable place, for the latest information on opening times.