Getting There

OS Map Ref: NU 148377

Going north on the A1, turn right on to the minor road to Ross just beyond the village of Belford (note: 1/2 mile beyond the B1341 turning for Bamburgh) The village is about two and a half miles from the A1.

Travelling south on the A1 from Berwick, turn left just beyond the village of Buckton on to a minor road to Elwick, beyond which a left turn leads to Ross. Parking is possible in Ross or along the lane which runs out toward the coast. From this lane a path leads across fields to dunes and the beach.

The total distance from Ross to the sea is about one mile. Once on the beach, nudity is acceptable either to the north or south of the path - up to a mile in each direction.

Description
A long sandy beach with dunes behind and said to be "surprisingly deserted even at weekends" . Clean golden sand and unpolluted, but chilly, sea - "a delectable spot" for naturists. Lack of access at either north or south ends of the beach gives admirable seclusion and few, if any, passers-by.

Facilities
Are you kidding?

Water Quality
Not monitored officially, but said to be qualitatively excellent.

Nearby Beaches
To the north: Cheswick Black Rocks.
To the south: Druridge Bay, near Amble.

Trip Report - June 2004

"Ross Back sands is a huge expanse of golden sands backed by extensive sand dunes. Use common sense - i.e wearing clothes until about 400 metres from where the right of way footpath from Ross meets the beach. Families with children rarely go beyond that. From there, for about 2km as far as the beacons opposite Holy Island you can safely go unclothed either on the beach or in the dunes. The sea is usually cold even in mid summer and cool winds are common. I have often seen couples, groups and single people (male and female but more males) just sunbathing. A nice place. Take your litter home and try not to disturb nesting birds to the north of the beach. Respect others privacy."

Trip Report - May 2004

"We visit the beach about three times yearly between end May and end Sept. Beautiful long beach, with very few people about - textiles or nude. Textiles tend to stay close to the path to the beach. spoilt only by the fact its quite a long walk, approx mile or mile and a half from where one can park one's car to the beach.[We] have visited nine times in past few years and have only met two other naturists - both male - and about 10-15 textiles, although they didnt seem to mind our appearance. Even saw two bikini-clad women walking along beach. later saw one sans bikini......a convert!"

Trip Report - August 2003

"This beach is one of the best in the country, with fine golden sand and excuisitely beautiful views of Holy Island to the north and Bamburgh Castle to the south.
Even in high summer there are only around a dozen or so people on this massive beach, which stretches for about a mile to the south of the access track and about two miles to the north. Apart from some serious walkers, most textiles don't venture far along the beach, and those who do don't seem to mind seeing naturists. Naturists (usually just one or two but on a good day as many as four or five) gather about 0.5 mile to the north of the track."

Trip Report
A 'uk.rec.naturist' contibutor visited Ross Back Sands in early September 1998 and sent in the following report:

"The lane from the village leads ultimately to a farm but passes between two rows of bungalows and cottages; a sign politely asks visitors not to park in this residential area and, although parking is not forbidden (?), it would be churlish not to comply, as well as counter-productive. Parking is therefore restricted to the verge in the lane from the village to this residential area but there was plenty of room. I would estimate the walk from the village to the beach to be nearer two miles than one, and that from the parking area to the beach at a little under a mile but I haven't checked this on the relevant OS map

There were a few people on the beach, no more than a dozen or so and mostly within a hundred yards of the path. However ... there was one bathing suited gentlemen who seemed keen on exploring further afield.... The dunes to the south of the beach were quite flat and offered little shelter from the wind, though they were very grassy, with some form of animal droppings much in evidence. The dunes to the north were much more substantial and appeared to offer effective shelter from the elements but, since rain impended, we were unable to explore. As we left a surprising number of bird watchers appeared from the dunes with an impressive array of cameras and binoculars. Clearly a popular spot with ornithologists."

Comments (4)

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Ross Back Sands
written by Barebot, June 09, 2008

A quiet spot- much quieter than Druridge Bay- though one in which the unsuspecting naturist quietly enjoying the sun can suddenly find him/herself confronted by an ornithologist with binoculars and beard. Not many naturists but not many people at all. The beach is very gently shelving and the water shallow, not great for swimming. Nice clean sand, however.

The Local
written by Mr and Mrs Brownbottom, July 14, 2008

Our Local one, and naturally biased but is an incredibly beautiful setting overlooking Bamburgh castle and Holy Island. Parked outside Ross and then about a mile walk to the beach, the majority on roads but the last quarter or so through the dunes. There is a path through the dunes which the majority of people stick to in order to preserve the eco system. On entering the beach turn left and walk for several hundred yards, most naturists use the edge of the dunes. There has been as many naturists as textiles, who tend to stay near the path onto the beach, although some walk further to view wildlife etc.Sandy beach but be warned can be very very windy! Highly recommended.

One of Britains finest beaches.
written by FKK77, July 30, 2008

A perfect beach for naturism and people wanting to try it for the first time. I go with my girlfriend, lots of space and nobody disturbs you. I great beach for all the family naturist or not. Its quite a walk, however a pleasant one from Ross village. Ive seen a few naturists, however they are discreet. Worth a trip for all beach lovers, especially naturists.

message to fkk77
written by tj8472, November 18, 2008

where is this beach please as my girlfriend & i would like otgo in the "summer".please let us know.
thanks
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