Northumberland Coastal Path - 7 Days & 6 Nights

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.5 Read 41 reviews

Walk along sweeping sands and breathe in fresh sea air
Discover ancient castles and ruins including Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh
Enjoy the local seafood speciality Craster kippers
Overnight stays in bustling fishing villages and towns

Start your walking holiday in the fishing village of Cresswell, and follow the sweeping sands of Druridge, to the historic village of Warkworth where you can see Warkworth Castle - the first of many on the walk. Pass through pretty fishing villages Alnmouth, Boulmer and Craster, perhaps taking time to stop and sample some of the famous Craster kippers. Breathe in the fresh sea air as you head to the fascinating ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle before crossing inland to the historic villages of Bamford and Belford. Finish your walk by passing the causeway to the Holy Island, and if tidal times allow, cross over to visit the historic Lindisfarne Priory.

What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

The Northumberland Coastal Path is an energising and fascinating walk along the Northumberland Coast. If you are looking for a walk which has a combination of stunning landscapes and interesting history, 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

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails
Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

This holiday is graded overall as moderate and is suitable for most regular walkers. The exact grade does depend on the itinerary you choose. Most of the time you will be walking on footpaths and bridleways but there are some sections where beaches and minor roads are used, with quite a lot of beach walking alternatives also available. It is generally low-level and does not involve too much ascent and descent.

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

Hand picked bed and breakfast accommodation in en-suite rooms wherever possible.
Door to door baggage transfer.
A detailed info pack and guide book for the group leader.
Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.

Excluded

Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
Transfer from Ellington to Cresswell
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.

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

Newcastle Airport is the closest airport to Ellington. From Newcastle you can catch a train to Widdrington (approx. 30mins) See: www.nationalrail.co.uk for details. Then from Widdrington you can catch a bus directly to Ellington which takes Approx. 5 mins.

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 Arrive in Ellington and overnight Ellington Day 2 Cresswell to Warkworth 10.5 miles / 16.9 km Day 3 Warkworth to Craster 13 miles / 20.9 km

Today’s walk is all about pretty Northumbrian fishing villages. Arrive first in the picturesque Alnmouth and another great spot for wildlife enthusiasts at the Aln Estuary. From here, head towards the old smuggling town of Boulmer. Enjoy taking in the delightful seaside smells - catch here includes crab, lobsters and sea salmon. Finally, you will arrive in Craster where you can quench your appetite and sample some of the delicious local cuisine, Craster kippers.

As accommodation is quite limited in Craster, you may be transferred back to Warkworth for your overnight stay tonight and we will transfer you back to Craster the next morning to continue your walk.

Overnight Craster

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 Cottage Inn | Country Inn

The Cottage Inn provides B&B accommodation just outside the pretty village of Craster. All bedrooms have been renovated to a comfortable standard, room are en-suite with flat screen TV’s, garden views, complimentary bathroom products, hairdryers and complementary beverage tray. During your stay you will be able to sample some of Northumberland’s best foods and ales, they are committed to using local produce where possible. They pride themselves on their cask conditioned ales and always have a good selection from the local micro-breweries.

Old Rectory | Bed and breakfast

This is a lovely B&B set in its own grounds surrounded by fields and woods near Craster. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. They have a seating area exclusively for guests and free Wi-Fi.

Dunstanburgh Castle | Hotel

The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel is in the heart of Embleton, a picturesque village on the Northumberland coast, set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All rooms are en-suite with flat screen TV’s, hair dryers and complimentary hot drinks tray. They use only the best of local seasonal produce, sourced almost exclusively from small local suppliers. Their commitment to fresh and ethically produced food has earned them awards from Taste of Northumberland and Alnwick Food Festival.

Day 4 Craster to Bamburgh 14 miles / 22.5 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 5 Bamburgh to Fenwick 13.5 miles / 21.7 km Day 6 Fenwick to Berwick-upon-Tweed 12 miles / 19.3 km

Your final day’s walking will take you past the causeway over to Holy Island before following cliff top 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.

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.

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.

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 7 Onward Travel