The Humber Bridge is magnificent.  When it first opened in 1981 it was the longest single-span suspension Bridge in the world.  It has since been surpassed, but is still the 8th longest, beating California’s Golden Gate Bridge.

The bridge spans the Humber Estuary from near Hull in the north to Lincolnshire in the south.  It may not be as scenic as California’s Golden Gate, but nonetheless the Humber Estuary is a fascinating area with great sigificance to wildlife.

The ever changing tides expose extensive mudflats ideal for wading birds and of great importance to migrants.

And along the banks of the estuary various clay pits, gravel pits and quarries have been converted into excellent nature reserves.   Habitats include lakes, reedbeds and surrounding woodland as well as the Humber foreshore.

Access to all of these parks and reserves is completely free – you don’t even have to pay to park.

Interesting birds recorded in the reserves include bitterns, marsh harriers and kingfishers.  There are great habitats for butterflies and dragonflies, and many other types of wildlife find a home here.

If you are interested in birds and other wildlife there is so much to do in this area.  And yet the area is completely overlooked – I couldn’t find a single guide book!

So if you would like to get off the beaten track, here are a few suggestions.

Walking Across the Humber Bridge

The Humber Bridge is still the longest single span suspension bridge that you can walk across.  There is a shared footpath and cycle path at each side of the bridge, so you can cross on one path and then return on the other for different views.

(Note – because of the exposure it is best to avoid windy days.  Occasionally in very strong winds the bridge is closed to traffic for safety reasons.)

If you are coming from the North side you can easily park at the Humber Bridge Country Park (described below).  The return trip is then around 3.5 miles.

From the South side the nearest car parks are on Waterside Road (see map below).  This increases the distance a little, but is more considerate than parking beneath the bridge on Far Ings Road.

Walking across the bridge, you really appreciate the scale of this enormous structure.  Getting close to the massive towers and cables, and the somewhat alarming vibration as lorries go thundering past, is quite an exhilarating experience.

The views over the Humber Estuary and surrounding countryside are far ranging whichever path you choose.

Depending on how far you wish to walk, you can easily combine crossing the bridge with one or more of the parks and reserves described below.

Humber Bridge Country Park

Situated on the north shore of the Humber Estuary, the excellent Humber Bridge Country Park is located in a disused quarry.  The park consists of beautiful woodland and ponds surrounded by white chalk cliffs.

There are marked trails through the park with many benches and picnic tables.  A bird feeding station attracts woodland birds, and it is also a great place to spot butterflies and dragonflies.

Many trees are labelled to aid identification and there are information boards about the local environment.  Sculptures add extra interest.  It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours to enjoy peace and nature.

Practicalities

The Humber Bridge Country Park can be accessed from the large Bridge car park, where there are toilets, picnic tables, tourist information and refreshments.  From here follow footpath signs to one of the two entrance points, where steep steps lead down into the park.

To avoid the steep steps, the park can also be accessed by parking at the Hessle Foreshore, where there are toilets.

At both locations parking and entrance are completely free.

Near to the Hessle Foreshore entrance is the Country Park Inn, where you can have lunch or a drink with great views of the Humber.  Rooms are also available here – see section on Staying Longer towards the end of this post.

For more detailed information about the access points,  a map showing the car parks and trails, access information and opening times, you can download a local nature reserve leaflet as a pdf.  Follow this link to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council nature reserves and then scroll down to find the Humber Bridge Country Park leaflet.

Far Ings Nature Reserve

Located on the south shore of the estuary, Far Ings is a fantastic nature reserve owned by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.  The reserve contains a number of flooded pits, extensive reedbeds, both freshwater and saltwater environments, meadows and woodland.  There are marked trails around the reserve, and a number of excellent hides.

The reserve is used by many resident and migrant birds, and provides a home for elusive bitterns.  We have not been lucky enough to see a bittern here yet, but intend to keep trying!  We have had fantastic views of marsh harriers, as well as herons, grebes, ducks and geese.

It is also a great place to see dragonflies and damselflies in summer, and many flowers on the reserve attract bees and butterflies.

Nestled within the reserve, but completely separate from it, is the excellent Humber Bridge Country Hotel.  You can get refreshments here, or (highly recommended) stay longer.  See section on Staying Longer below.

Practicalities

If you are approaching Far Ings after walking across the bridge, follow Far Ings Lane west (there is no footpath but little traffic – take care).  Continue past the entrance to the Tile Works on the right, and then take the next right which leads you to the Visitor Centre and main car park.

If you are driving there is plenty of parking near to the Visitor Centre.  Here there is also picnic tables, a shop, toilets, information and the start of the trails round the reserve.

The reserve is open at all times, and there is no charge for entrance or parking.  For information about the Visitor Centre opening hours, access information and the trail routes see this Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust site.  For a map of the reserve with the car parks, trails and hides clearly marked, see this page (pdf).

Waters’ Edge Country Park

Waters’ Edge Country Park is on the south shore of the Humber Estuary.  It consists of a large, modern Visitor Centre (green building in the photo above), which has informative displays, local information and a good cafe.

There are three well laid out trails you can follow which take in the park’s lovely woodland, reeds and ponds.  There is also access to the Humber foreshore for great views of the bridge and estuary.  Information boards are provided, and there are plenty of good benches and picnic tables.