Best of the Northumberland Coastal Path

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.5 Read 41 reviews

Escape to the Northumberland Coast for a refreshing short break
Step back in history visiting the ancient castles of Warkworth, Dunstanburgh & Bamburgh
Stay in welcoming fishing villages and seaside towns
Enjoy views to Holy Island and walk along clifftop paths to Berwick-upon-Tweed
Sample the local seafood speciality 'Craster Kippers'

Take on a classic walk along the beautiful Northumberland Coastal Path. This area is not only known for its rich history but it also offers some of the finest coastal walking in Europe. Follow uncrowded paths along the seafront, through nature reserves and past deserted beaches. Enjoy the ever-changing views, from wide sweeping bays and secluded coves to friendly fishing ports, rocky headlands and striking castles, such as Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh. Visit the local pubs and learn how the North Sea has shaped the lives of the communities beside it. Smell the fresh salty air and listen to the songs of seabirds on the coast. This trip is guaranteed to leave you feeling energised upon return!

What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

This is an energising walk along the Northumberland Coastal Path through a landscape that has been recognised as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dive into the local history and visit some of the most unspoiled beaches in Europe. If you are looking for a short walking itinerary visiting the most beautiful stretches of the coastal path, this is the walk for you.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Grade & Terrain

This short break itinerary has been graded as easy to moderate and showcases the best of the Northumberland Coastal Path. You are right by the sea for most of the walk as we have taken out the inland detour between Belford and Holy Island on this itinerary. This is a low-level route with very few climbs, nothing that involves too much ascent/descent and perfect for the regular walker. Most of the walk you will be following well-waymarked footpaths and bridleways, and some sections include some beach walking which can slow down your progress along the route.

Navigation

The Northumberland Coastal Path is well waymarked throughout, maintained and easy to follow. You should have no problems following the route by following the instructions in your guidebook carefully. There are some opportunities for walking on the beach rather than on the way-marked path and these are noted clearly in your guidebook.

Accommodation Information

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of accommodation that we book in the seaside villages along the coast. We have been offering the Northumberland Coastal Path since 2011 and have since developed strong relationships with the local suppliers. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4-star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels where a warm Northumbrian welcome always awaits. We secure en-suite rooms or rooms with private facilities, and a delicious breakfast is guaranteed to set you up for the day ahead.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability.

Included

Overnight stays in handpicked B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels in en-suite rooms wherever possible
Breakfast each morning
Door-to-door baggage transfers
Taxi transfer from Alnmouth to Warkworth (Day 1)
Taxi transfer from Bamburgh to Fenwick (Day 4)
A detailed information pack and guidebook
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem

Excluded

Travel to Warkworth & From Berwick-upon-Tweed
Lunch & Dinner, Snacks & Drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment
Public transportation and/or taxi transfers not listed under inclusions

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after your walk.

When To Go

The Northumberland Coastal Path is available from April to September. Traditionally, April and May have been the most popular time of the year to walk the route, as the theory goes that the weather is better. However, in our opinion, anywhere between April and September should offer a wonderful experience. Please try to avoid staying in Warkworth over the weekend as some accommodations will not take a one night stay.

In 2021 an extended season into October is on offer. However due to luggage transfer restrictions solo walkers cannot travel on these tours at this time.

Getting to the Start

Getting to Alnmouth is easy with Newcastle and Edinburgh being the nearest airports. Alnmouth has its own railway station, as well as Berwick-upon-Tweed and Morpeth. Alnmouth can be reached from London Kings Cross in 3,5 hours (direct train) or it is possible to change over in York or Newcastle. Please see National Rail UK for more information, timetables and tickets.

Upon arrival in Alnmouth, an included taxi transfer will bring you to your accommodation in Warkworth.

Getting from the End

Your trip along the Northumberland Coast ends in Berwick-upon-Tweed. This seaside town is connected to the East Coast mainline and regular trains whisk you back to London (4h), Newcastle (45m), Manchester (3h30m) or Edinburgh (45m). For more information, tickets and timetables please visit National Rail UK.

Baggage Transfer

Enjoy the ease of having your luggage transferred each day allowing you to walk with just a light backpack. This is included in the standard cost of this trip. We ask you to limit your luggage to one piece of luggage of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

You will need good walking shoes (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. This route involves a few climbs where you may find it useful to have your walking poles. As this route primarily follows the coast, we recommend bringing windproof clothing to make it easier to progress.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

How do the baggage transfers work?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

Should I check the tides for Holy Island?

Am I able to take my dog?

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Alnmouth. Transfer to Warkworth Day 2 Walk Warkworth to Howick 12 miles / 19 km Day 3 Walk Howick to Bamburgh 15.5 miles / 25 km

Not long after leaving today, you will marvel at the ancient ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle which you can see from Craster. Following this, some delightful walking alongside the sandy bays of Beadnell and Embleton will bring you to Seahouses.

Seahouses is a bustling harbour town, most famous as the hopping off point for the fascinating Farne Islands. The Farne Islands are the most famous bird sanctuary in the British Isles and are home to an abundance of wildlife including puffins, guillemot, and grey seals. If you have time, it is definitely worth adding an extra day in Seahouses in order to visit the Islands.

You will continue along the coast until the historic village of Bamburgh. Bamburgh Castle is a magnificent sight, sitting high on an outcrop over the beach.

Overnight Bamburgh

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Victoria Hotel | Hotel

The Victoria Hotel is a welcoming AA 3 Star hotel that overlooks the village green in the heart of historic Bamburgh. The village is overlooked by magnificent Bamburgh Castle which has featured in many historical films. All of their bedrooms offer high quality furnishing and all modern conveniences including hairdryer, complimentary refreshment tray, and LCD TV. Opened in 2012, Baileys Bar & Restaurant offers high quality, locally sourced food, cooked free to Rosette standard.

Budle Hall | Bed and breakfast

Budle Hall is a family run B&B and is said to be one of Northumberland’s loveliest small country houses. They have 5 well-appointed en-suite rooms and they have all the amenities you require for a comfortable and relaxing overnight stay.

Sunningdale Hotel | Hotel

The Sunningdale is family owned and offers a warm welcome to all. It is their aim to offer excellent service and quality during your stay. They have 21 en-suite bedrooms, all of which are comfortably furnished and include colour televisions and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and toiletries. Their restaurant offers a superb selection of delicious home made excellent value food. They use high quality delicious produce such as locally reared and butchered lamb and pork, Lakeland matured beef and a superb selection of daily fresh fish.

Day 4 Transfer Bamburgh to Fenwick. Walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed 11 miles / 18 km

A short taxi transfer (15 min) will drop you off just outside of Fenwick. Your final day’s walking will take you past the causeway over to Holy Island before following clifftop paths with dramatic views to the historic Berwick-upon-Tweed. If you have time (and the safe crossing times permit) you may even wish to visit Holy Island. Safe crossing times can be checked here.

Berwick-upon-Tweed has a fascinating history, with hands changed between Scotland and England for centuries. Enjoy taking in some of the many interesting architectural features such as its old defence ramparts or ancient town walls. Berwick also has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes making it the perfect place to celebrate the end of your walk.

Overnight Berwick-upon-Tweed

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Queens Head | Hotel

The Queen's Head Hotel is set in the old historic market town Berwick-Upon-Tweed. The six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with matching fabrics, the beds are individually pocket sprung and have down duvets so you can enjoy a restful night's sleep. You will also find fresh fruit and jelly beans in each room along with complementary toiletries, plush cotton towels and hypo-allergenic pillows. The restaurant over looks Sandgate and is a lively yet elegant place for a leisurely meal. The flavour of the food reflects all that is good about local authentic fresh food.

Tweed View House | Bed and breakfast

You are assured a very warm welcome from Liz and Graham at the Tweed View House. The rooms have free WiFi, flat screen televisions, a fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, fresh milk, bathrobes, hairdryer, toiletries, information pack & much more.

Parade School Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Parade School Guest House offers a relaxed and friendly environment in the historic walled town of Berwick upon Tweed, in the heart of Northumberland. The house has been refurbished to a high standard and offers luxury guest house accommodation. All of the rooms have wall hung 32" flat screen televisions, with free view digital television channels and numerous radio stations for your entertainment, as well as complimentary secure Wi-Fi internet access.

Day 5 Onward Travel