Old Lime Pit
Lime Kiln In Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland
A precariously placed lime kiln pit near Cocklawburn beach.
As I'm sure you already know, there were around 400 lime kilns built in Northumberland and we're on a mission to see them all. There are 15 on the website at the minute so we still have quite a few to get around, however, this is a great one and it's doing a good job of not falling into the sea just yet.
If you look at Google maps, you'll spot that it is called the Old Lime Pit, however, it would have been known as the Far Skerr Flare Kiln back in the day. The difference between one of these 'flare kilns' over a 'draw kiln' such as Greenchesters Lime Kiln, is that a flare kiln would be used intermittently when needed, and a draw kiln would be used continuously with materials added all of the time to create much more lime.
This kiln on Cocklawburn beach would have been in use in the 1870s. There were initially two kilns built, but as demand grew for lime a third kiln was constructed and lime was produced here on an industrial scale. The production of lime ceased in the early 1900s and the kilns fell out of use. However when WWII broke out, two of the disused kilns here acted as camouflage for a pill box which can still be seen today. Presumably the pill box blended in nicely amongst the decaying kilns and would have provided gunfire across Cheswick and Goswick beaches in the event of an invasion. Two of the kilns were demolished completely in the 1980s and the one pictured is the only survivor.
I visited in January 2025, having never been to this part of the Northumberland Coast before, and it seems I was leaving the best bit until last. This is a stunning bit of a coastline - full of interesting geology, beautiful wide beaches and barely a soul about. I imagine it's probably a place the locals want to keep a secret - so maybe keep it to yourself.
After looking at the kiln from Cocklawburn beach, I scrambled up to view it from the coastal path too. It's worth noting there might be some cows about on this stretch of path - but they seemed placid and unbothered by my presence. I also spotted a couple on the road too, so drive carefully!
I highly recommend a wander to this beautiful part of the Northumberland coast.
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How To Find Old Lime Pit
Where To Park For Old Lime Pit?
Lat / Long
55.726755, 55.726755
What three words
There are a few car parks dotted along the coast. We opted for the one closest to the kiln.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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More Lime Kilns
So this lime kiln wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Crindledykes Lime Kiln
Lime Kiln Haydon Bridge NorthumberlandA well preserved lime kiln not far from Vindolanda.
Fulwell Lime Kilns
Lime Kiln Sunderland Tyne And WearOld lime kilns at Fulwell, now a fancy backdrop for a car showroom.
Ros Castle Lime Kiln
Lime Kiln Chillingham NorthumberlandA ruined lime kiln sitting between Cateran Hole and Ros Castle in the Alnwick area.
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Join Our Facebook GroupOld Lime Pit was listed in Lime Kiln // Northumberland // Berwick Upon Tweed