Sugar Sands Beach – Bridge Over Howick Burn loop from Boulmer

Hiking trails & Routes

Sugar Sands Beach – Bridge Over Howick Burn loop from Boulmer

Moderate

5.0

(5)

hikers

Sugar Sands Beach – Bridge Over Howick Burn loop from Boulmer

02:26

9.48km

40m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Northumberland Coast National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.36 km

Sugar Sands Beach

Highlight • Beach

great tracks for riding - watch out for walkers

Tip by

3.61 km

Whitefin Spring

Highlight • Natural

Stop a while and have a brew

Tip by

3.61 km

Bridge Over Howick Burn

Highlight • Cycleway

Narrow bridge taking you over the burn following the cycleway.

Tip by

4.17 km

The rocks on the North side of the haven reveal distinct layers of pale and black rock, formed in calm estuarine conditions. The black rock, made of shale or mudstone, settled in slow-moving water, while the paler rock, composed of fine-grained sandstone or siltstone, formed in slightly faster currents.

Keep an eye out for remnants of a marine sandbank and a thin coal seam, offering glimpses into the area's past. As you continue, notice the tabular crossbedding in the sandstone, resembling patterns formed by flowing water around obstacles. These layers showcase the dynamic forces that have shaped this remarkable landscape.

On the South side, a similar sequence can be observed, sans the coal. The sandstones, with their warm yellow to brown colors, owe their hues to ferric hydroxide, adding a touch of vibrancy to the scenery.

Pay attention to the subtle differences in the rock layers' orientation. The varying strikes—around 50 degrees on the North side and 30 degrees on the South side—hint at a fault's presence, influencing the land and guiding the path of the Howick burn.

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4.70 km

Rumbling Kern

Highlight • Natural

The Rumbling Kern is characterized by a distinctive rumbling or booming sound that occurs when waves crash against the rocks. This unique acoustic effect is caused by the shape, composition, and layout of the rocks in the area. When struck by powerful waves, the rocks resonate and produce an audible rumble, hence the name "Rumbling Kern."

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5.92 km