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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

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.

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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 Day 4 Transfer Bamburgh to Fenwick. Walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed 11 miles / 18 km Day 5 Onward Travel

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