In their words...
why we love The North
Stretching from Hull to the Scottish border and then from the banks of the River Dee on Wirral to the northernmost beaches of Cumbria, the North of England has a varied and ecologically diverse coastline which is enjoyed by thousands of water users every year. the North East is famous for its cold, heavy waves, large industrial cities and beautiful isolation (Northumberland is the most sparsely populated county in England with around 62 people per square kilometre) while the North West is home to the juxtaposition of the picturesque Lake District and the violent short period swells of the Irish sea.
Travelling northwards one long stretch of sand merges with the next as you pass coastal towns, holiday villages, golf courses and countryside before reaching another stretch of Heritage Coast, Flamborough Head. A Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, the sheer white chalk cliffs are topped by the oldest surviving complete lighthouse in England.
From here the surf really starts. Big Northerly ground swells light up point, reef and beach breaks along this stretch with a selection of quality surfing on offer. From Scarborough to Saltburn the coast is backed by the wild beauty of the North York Moors National Park and has long been a stronghold for our campaigns with some of our most long-standing Reps based here.
Known for its sweeping, shallow stretches of beach and prevailing Westerly winds during the summer months the north west is the perfect place during the summer for a multitude of water sports. Towards the southern end of the north-west, the coastline surrounding the Wirral peninsular and Liverpool is fantastic for: windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, SUPing and kayaking due to its diverse ecology.
The industrialised urban conurbations including Middlesborough, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester characterise this region and can sometimes overshadow the quality of the beaches which are, quite simply, stunning.