Filey Brigg

Today it’s a short hop up the coast to Filey. We’re not here for the mini-Scarborough resort, but for its famous Filey Brigg that juts far out into the sea at the north end of the bay.  

We really aren’t sure what we will find here, but the visit comes with warmings of precipitous paths and fast incoming tides. Still, nothing ventured ......

We start our exploration at the landward point of Carr Naze, then follow the path along the spine of the rocky peninsula towards the seaward end. As we walk, there is ever present evidence of crumpled edges of the cliffs slipping towards the sea; the warnings of danger are almost superfluous. Below us there’s another seabird colony, each shelf of rock a nesting place, then at sea level we watch waves wash continuously over ancient rock platforms, on one, a natural pool filling with emerald water. 

Soon, we reach the end of the promontory; here the gradient sinks steeply down to the extended rock platforms of the brigg proper. We look in trepidation at the mud path down, resembling some theme park horror. Another couple, some 15 years our junior, tell us they tried this once, but never again, and suggest an alternative zigzag path.

This we take - and this is steep enough. We make is down with relative dignity. There is an easy access from the beach, but of course, this would have missed out the sublime views from the cliffs. 

So now it’s out onto the brigg, rock platforms against which seemingly calm seas crash dramatically. Surreal landscapes of rock pools sit amidst green algae lawns; mini-lakes of mirror-water house rounded boulders and reflect the sky, while breakers mount the rock ridges, their spray towering into the air. It’s absolutely beautiful - today’s main and two extras.