Northumberland Coastal Path - 8 Days & 7 Nights
- 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
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Ellington and overnight EllingtonThere is no accommodation in Cresswell itself so your first night’s accommodation will be in the nearby town of Ellington. Ellington is a 45 minute bus journey from Newcastle which is easily reached via train (3hr from London or 2h 30 from Manchester). There is also an international airport in Newcastle.
Ellington is a small village on the coast of Northumberland close to the start of the walk.
The Plough Inn offers a warm welcome and has friendly staff. Refurbished by new owners, the traditional country pub isn't a typical tourist trap or sightseers spot. It's a local pub at the heart of the village community. All rooms have en-suite bathroom, Tea/coffee making facilities, television and fresh towels. The restaurant offers delicious dishes that combine the best of English pub food with touches of contemporary cuisine.
Premier Inn Hotel Ashington is just a stone's throw from the Coastal Route, top-notch beaches, and gorgeous gardens. This lovely Inn offers comfortable accommodation and all modern conveniences you might need for the overnight stay.
You will be guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome at The Captain’s lodge. The tasteful décor is enhanced by many of its original features, with an open fire being lit in the colder evenings. In the summer you can enjoy the views from a sun-lit patio, with steps leading down to the promenade. All rooms are comfortable and have TV and free wireless Internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, and a hairdryer.
Start off by following the sweeping sands of Druridge Bay, with the sound of the surf accompanying you, to the small fishing port of Amble. You may also spot some of the abundant birdlife, with the area being home to several nature reserves. From Amble it is just a short walk to the ancient village of Warkworth and its grand castle.
Warkworth has a long history as an ancient fortified village, originally held by the Anglo-Saxons. Today it is a great place to stop with plenty of interesting craft shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Please note that Ellington is just 30 minutes walk from the start of the path in Cresswell and you will walk straight from there if booked into The Plough Inn. If you are booked into accommodation in Ashington or Newbiggin-by-the-Sea you will need to take a short taxi (15 minutes) to Cresswell, which should be paid for locally.
This boutique bed and breakfast rooms opened in May 2017. All rooms have been decorated and furnished to a very high standard with Voyage Maison wall art and fabrics and Barker and Stonehouse furniture. You will enjoy a warm welcome along with a hearty breakfast which is served downstairs in the café.
A well presented modern B&B with well maintained gardens.
In the heart of the village of Warkworth, this 18th-century coaching inn offers comfortable accommodation with a range of rooms, each with a digital flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom. Some also have luxurious toiletries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Situated above the old lime kilns by the harbour in the popular coastal resort Seahouses is The Bamburgh Castle Inn, a friendly Northumberland inn with 30 en suite bedrooms. You will be assured of a warm welcome at this seaside location on the stunning North East coast. Add great food with lots of local flavours, real ales, wraparound views, beer garden and excellent accommodation and you'll discover there's simply no better place to eat, drink, stay and relax on the Northumberland coastline.
Your hosts, Brian and Moira, are a local couple who have been in the hospitality industry for a number of years and are always available to help. The rooms are tastefully decorated and all rooms also have hairdryers, tea & coffee facilities and luxury bed linen and towels. They are able to do laundry for you if time permits for a small fee. Breakfast is served in the dining room which overlooks the garden and has a sitting area where you are able to relax.
Centrally located in the old part of Seahouses, The Bakehouse offers quality en-suite bed and breakfast. Recently restored and furnished they offer a private lounge for guests, with open fire and a 32 inch flat screen TV. All the village amenities are a short walk away. There is superior double/twin en-suite rooms equipped with 2 seater sofa, fridge, hospitality tray, tea & coffee facilities, luxury bed linen, towels and bathrobes.
Today’s walk will start to take you inland for a short while to discover the historic villages of Bamburgh and Belford. Bamburgh Castle is a magnificent sight, sitting high on an outcrop over the beach. The scenery starts to change after leaving Bamburgh, as you walk through fields instead of along the coast before arriving at Belford.
As accommodation is quite limited in Belford, you may be transferred back to Seahouses for your overnight stay tonight and we will transfer you back to Belford the next morning to continue your walk.
Market Cross Guest House is 200 years old and formerly part of a coaching house where Steve and Amanda offer you luxury accommodation and excellent food. Each room has its own en-suite shower room or bathroom all with soft fresh bath sheets, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries including local handmade soaps from Ginger Duck. If you’re not relaxed enough already, on the landing between the bedrooms is a console table where you can help yourself to a glass of sherry or Lindesfarne Mead.
Once an elegant coaching inn this charming hotel is set in fine gardens at the heart of Northumberland’s scenic countryside. All 28 rooms are on-suite and reflect the historic character of the hotel whilst providing all the modern conveniences you would expect, all rooms are decorated to a high standard and well-equipped to suit everyone’s needs with some offering a view of the garden.
Some further inland walking through farmland and woodland today, rewarded with some stunning views towards Holy Island from Kyloe Ridge. You will also follow the historical St Cuthbert’s Way for part of today. We highly recommend taking the short side trip to see the fascinating St Cuthbert’s Cave, where the body of St Cuthbert was reputedly taken when the monks had to flee to safety from Lindisfarne when the Vikings raided.
Fenwick is a fairly small town with limited facilities but your B&B will run you to the pub for dinner.
The 21 modern, lodge-style en-suite rooms located in the inn's former stable block alongside the main building. All are double glazed with central heating and have colour TVs and a well-stocked tea and coffee tray. Following a restful night you will surely enjoy the full Northumberland breakfast. Wi-Fi is accessible in the main bar. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after a day’s walking!
Situated at Aidanfield, a detached house on the edge of the village, and set in its own private grounds with spectacular views of the coastline, Holy Island and rolling countryside.
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.
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.
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 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.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?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.
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Additional nights before, during or after your walk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depending on the chosen itinerary the grade of this trip is either easy to moderate (8 days & 7 nights + 5 days & 4 nights) or moderate (7 days & 6 nights). The path follows the rugged coastline and apart from a small inland detour between Belford and the Holy Island, you are right by the sea for most of your walk. 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 footpaths and bridleways, but some sections cross beaches or minor roads.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Northumberland Coastal Path is extremely popular especially in the summer months. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try our best to accommodate your plans.
Enjoy the ease of having your luggage transferred daily, allowing you to walk with just a light daypack and your packed lunch. Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved on to your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
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.
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.
If you do plan to visit Holy Island, we recommend you check the tidal chart for the day you pass the causeway over to Holy Island. If you plan to stay overnight, you should also check when it is safe to cross the following day. Check out the safe tide crossings here.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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