- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
A wild landscape that also offers a moderate walking experience mixed with some of the most fascinating historical sites England has to offer. Visit Warkworth Castle on your arrival day and start your walk from the quaint seaside resort of Alnmouth. Each day you'll visit pretty fishing villages like Craster - you must sample some of the famous Craster kippers if you are a fish fan! The dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle loom above Embleton and you'll reach Seahouses hopefully in time for some cracking fish and chips. A highlight must be Bamburgh Castle followed by Holy Island's Lindisfarne.
Possible day trip extensions include the fabulous Alnwick Castle where much of the original Harry Potter films were filmed and a boat trip to the Farne Island to see the puffins in May, June and early July - you must book well in advance though.Â
Highlights
- A historical immersion as you walk along vast golden beaches and past numerous nature reserves
- The proud castles of the North east including Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and the mighty Bamburgh
- The unforgettable journey on foot across the causeway to Holy Island and Lindisfarne priory
- Overnights in bustling fishing villages and towns - great kippers, hearty ales and good local Northumbrian company
- Optional day trips – from the iconic Alnwick Castle to the puffin colonies on the Farne Islands
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Warkworth
Arrival in the small town of Warkworth. Warkworth is 15 minutes taxi ride from Alnmouth station which has direct trains from Newcastle (40 mins), London (3 hrs 40), and Edinburgh (1 hr 50). There's an international and domestic airport in Newcastle.Â
Arrive in time to explore the artisan shops, pubs and cafes and in particular the rich history of Warkworth Castle which dominates the village skyline.Â
Accommodation: Bertram's B&B or Warkworth House Hotel or equivalent.
Day 2
Walk Warkworth to Howick
Today you'll walk between Northumbrian fishing villages and sea-side resorts, all bustling with local life. The charming Alnmouth is first and its a well-preserved picturesque resort which is well worth a wander around its quaint streets and little shops. Again, get your binoculars out for great birdlife at the Aln Estuary. Then its onto the old fishing town of Boulmer - depending on the timing of your arrival you might see crab, lobsters and sea salmon coming ashore. Finally you arrive in Howick, just 2 miles from Craster - and if you eat fish you should sample the traditional smoky Craster kippers or smoked herring for supper.Â
Accommodation: The Old Rectory or The Cottage Inn.Â
Extension day: It's possible to stay 1 night in Alnmouth and walk to visit the magnificent Alnwick Castle.Â
Walk: 12 miles / 25 km
Day 3
Walk Howick to Bamburgh
Not long into your morning's walk, you'll reach one of the most dramatic ruins along the Northumbrian Coast, Dunstanburgh Castle. The walk along the beach here is one of our favourites and don't miss popping into the renowned Ship Inn at the National Trust maintained fishing hamlet of Low Newton-by-the-Sea. If you want to stop for a delicious lunch, book ahead. Opening hours from April to September are from 1100. But note it's shut on Sunday outside July and August. Then it's onwards along wonderful Embleton beach to the working sea-port of Seahouses. See below for extension ideas.
Shortly after leaving Seahouses, you'll arrive at the mightiest castle of the entire coast path - the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. Make sure to take plenty of photos from the beach - the proud castle rearing above the sand-dunes has regularly been voted England's favourite view.
Accommodation: The Victoria Hotel or Budle Hall.
Extension day: A highly recommended day trip from Seahouses is the boat trip to the Farne Islands, the most famous bird sanctuary in the British Isles. The islands are home to an abundance of wildlife including puffins from May to early July. It's worth adding an extra day in Seahouses in order to visit the Islands but you must book well ahead to avoid disappointment in puffin season.
Walk: 15.5 miles / 25km
Day 4
Transfer Bamburgh to Fenwick and walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed
A short transfer takes you over to Fenwick. If you wish to walk over to Holy Island it's essential you check the times the causeway will be open for your walk over to Holy Island. You must take these into account before choosing your date for your walking holiday if the trip across to Holy Island is a key priority for your itinerary. https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/ There are a few days each month when the causeway closes by 11am and that isn't enough time for you to safely visit. If the causeway is closing by 1200 please ask for an early breakfast & transfer so you can strike out early. The tide will come in fast.Â
Afterwards you will follow some cliff top paths with great views to the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Take time to explore the old rampart defences and its ancient town walls. This is the largest town in Northumberland and a feisty contrast to the little villages you have visited on your trip.
Accommodation: Tweed View House, Cowrie Guest House or equivalent
Extension day: if you have fixed departure week and want to visit Holy Island we can arrange for an extension day and additional transfer for you.Â
Walk: 12 miles / 18km
Day 5
Departure
4 nights' accommodation (small hotels, lodges, pubs, and B&Bs)
4 breakfasts
One piece of luggage per person transferred between accommodations, not exceeding 20kg
24-hour telephone assistance
Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
Travel to the start point and from the finish point
Travel insurance (required)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Entrance fees and attractions
Personal equipment
Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Excess luggage charges
Single room or solo traveller supplements, where applicable
Guiding services – this is a self-guided holiday
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