Track towards North Berwick by Jimmy G, on FlickrI headed out into East Lothian using much the same route that Gecko76 and I had taken back in December. After reaching North Berwick I stopped for an obligatory portion of chips before heading on towards Seacliff. On arriving at the gate leading down to the beach I saw that the vehicle access gate was closed and there was a sign informing would-be visitors that the beach was closed due to the icy access road. I thought to myself, ”‘How bad can it be?” and set off down the hill. I pretty quickly realised that the road was covered in sheet ice in places
and was forced to dismount and gingerly make my way down the grassy verge.
St. Baldred's Cave by Jimmy G, on FlickrI found the cave easily. It's right next to the beach car park in fact and certainly couldn’t be classed as a discreet bivvy site, particularly at peak visitor times. It was shallower than I’d expected but I made my way to the rear of the cave regardless. However… I soon found out that the cave floor was covered in a red muddy sludge and therefore definitely not an option that night.
St Baldred's Mudfest by Jimmy G, on FlickrI then checked out the surrounding area but couldn’t find anywhere particularly inspiring that would provide shelter from the cold wind. A Plan B then occurred to me - scramble back up the hill to the tried and tested Auldhame Castle! I’ve never used the same bivvy spot for two consecutive BAMs before but why not eh?
Auldhame Castle by Jimmy G, on FlickrAs expected on an icy January night, there was nobody else in residence so I quickly made myself at home (again). The ambience was somewhat less festive than our SWB setup but it worked for me!
Auldhame Castle by Jimmy G, on Flickr
Bedroom Window by Jimmy G, on FlickrA good night’s sleep was had and I woke to find that the temperature had risen markedly overnight (despite what the frost on the beach might suggest!).
Seacliff Beach by Jimmy G, on Flickr
Seacliff Harbour and the Bass Rock by Jimmy G, on FlickrAfter a leisurely breakfast, I packed up and headed homewards.
Castle Grounds by Jimmy G, on FlickrI soon learned that the tracks which had been dry and hard-packed the night before due to a good few very cold days, had thawed completely leaving lots of mud instead.
In summary, that's 1 from 12 for '25 and 85 consecutive BAMS. Oh and I promise not to use Auldhame Castle again next month!
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