Paull Foreshore Stroll from Fort Paull to Paull Holme Strays Nature Reserve.
Distance: 2⅛ miles / 3½ kilometers
Time: 1 hours 00 minutes
Grade: Easy
Map: OS Explorer 293 - Map of Kingston upon Hull & Beverley
Walk Summary
Though the 2⅛ miles walk itself takes about 1 hour without any stops. The path passes Fort Paull a Napoleonic fortress, the museum sadly closed in January 2020 which is a great shame. The path follows along the foreshore along the Humber Estuary to the Paull Holme Strays Nature Reserve, the path is well managed stone laid and well defined grass path and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is recommended to carry a jacket even on the warmest days, as the path follows the shore of the Humber Estuary and can be a bit windy and cooler than further inland.
The site of Fort Paull dates back to 1541 when King Henry VIII gave orders for fortifications to be built. The fort had a striking history through the ages up until 1945 and the end of WW2, which marked the end of Fort Paull's defensive role in the Humber Estuary. Through the varous eras from 1541 to 1945, Fort Paull has had many historical roles luncluding Fort Paull being used as a gaol during the Hull Witch Trials of the 1600's. During WW2 the Crown Jewels were hidden at various sites to foil Hitler's plans to seize them, one of the sites was here at Fort Paull where a copy of the jewels were exhibited in the museum before it closed.
The nearby Church of St Andrew is also well worth a visit. There has been a Church at Paull since 1155AD though its original location is unknown. The present church was built in 1355 and restored in 2009.
Paull Holme Strays Nature Reserve covers 105 hectares with its own free car park. The reserve offers a habitat for wintering birds including a large number of waders to feed and roost which often attracts various predators including peregrine and merlin. The site also attracts Roe Deer, often seen but never photographed. My photography is something to be desired, and doesn't do the place justice. Capturing wildlife is an art I am yet to learn and get the hang of!
The foreshore path offers views up to the Port of Kingston upon Hull and beyond to the 2,220 metres long, the Humber Bridge in the distance. With views across the Humber to the banks of South Killingholme and Immingham on the North East Lincolnshire coast. Whilst the reserve offers bird watching, the Humber offers ship spotting! Being one of the busiest and fastest-growing trading areas in Europe. Almost one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade passes through the Humber, there is plenty to see. The Humber is a tidal estuary flowing into the North Sea. High waters usually occur twice a day, the times of which can be found here - Paull tide times
If ship spotting is not your thing. Then the walk offers some great places for a picnic, or to just chill and take in the views, with a very small adjacent wooded area for the kids to explore.
All in all, it is a great place to visit for a stress free and relaxing day out with plenty to see and do.
