2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in B&Bs
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£860GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WNX

Northumberland Coastal Path Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the best section of the unspoilt Northumberland Coastal Path
  • Walk the St Cuthbert’s Pilgrim route over the causeway to Holy Island
  • Visit the ancient castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne
  • Try local seafood like the famous Craster Kipper
  • Stay in the pretty fishing villages of Alnmouth, Seahouses and Craster
  • Encounter seabirds and seals on a day trip to the Farne Islands

Embark on a dramatic journey along the Northumberland Coastal Path, where you’ll explore charming fishing villages, pristine beaches, medieval castles, and stunning seascapes, all while encountering a rich array of wildlife and seabirds including colourful puffins. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera! We have selected the best part of the trail for you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and North Sea coastline, plundered by marauding Vikings over a thousand years ago. Enjoy a two-night stay in the picturesque village of Seahouses, from where you can take a wildlife cruise to the famous Farne Islands. Get up close to nesting seabirds and spot seals in the surrounding waters. A true highlight of the experience is the pilgrimage walk to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, following in the footsteps of St. Cuthbert. Northumberland is a stunning, unspoiled corner of Britain, rich in history and ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, especially from late April to late July, when the region’s flora is in full bloom and birdlife is at its most vibrant. The walking is easy, with no challenging climbs, making it the perfect coastal retreat.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Alnmouth

Finishing Point:

Lindisfarne

Itinerary

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Arrive in Alnmouth, a picturesque village on the Northumberland coast. Established in 1152, Alnmouth is rated among the 20 most beautiful villages of the UK. It was once an important port for handling grain, timber and slate but the river mouth and estuary silted up and storms damaged the harbour. However in 1847 it became a resort town with the coming of the railway and has the fourth oldest golf course in England. If you have the time, we recommend spending an additional night here to visit the nearby and beautifully preserved market town of Alnwick (hourly bus) with its amazing 950 year-old castle and gardens, ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland. Alnmouth is easily accessible by train from London and Edinburgh on the East Coast Mainline. From Alnmouth Station, it is a short bus journey or taxi ride to your accommodation. Accommodation: A delightful country inn with restaurant specializing in locally-sourced seasonal dishes. All rooms are en-suite and the comfortable interior is relaxed and welcoming with cosy log fires and fine views of Alnmouth beach.

Meals:  Nil

You may want to spend some time looking out for birdlife along the estuary before beginning your walk today. Beyond Alnmouth, you will reach the former smugglers’ haven of Boulmer (pronounced Boomer) a small fishing village where the local blue coble fishing boats are still used to catch crab, lobster and sea salmon. Pass sandy bays including the beautifully named Sugar Sands, rocky headlands like Rumbling Kern, home to a noisy colony of kittwakes in the summer. The end of your hike sees you arrive in the tiny port of Craster with its picturesque harbour and traditional smokehouse where the famous “Craster Kippers” are produced, reputedly a favourite of the British Royal Family. Take a small detour off the coastal path inland to your accommodation in the village of Dunstan. Accommodation: Overnight in a simple village inn set in woodland gardens. All rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  B

Your walk today passes beautiful beaches and the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle, built by the Earl of Lancaster in 1313 in a revolt against King Edward II, which ultimately cost the Earl his head, can be seen from miles along the coast. It later became a defence against the Scots. The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but subsequently fell into decay. On the way you pass along the dramatic beach at Embleton Bay, a long stretch of golden sand. Continue through Newton Haven Village towards Beadnell where there are a couple of cafes and a pub, The Craster Arms. Midway along Beadnell Bay are the marshes at Long Nanny which are in the care of the National Trust. This is an area of great natural beauty and is protected on account of the colony of Arctic and Little Terns. Your journey today ends at the colourful fishing village of Seahouses. There is a bustling harbour, a number of shops and some of the best ‘takeaway’ fish and chips in Northumberland. You will spend 2 nights here to enable you to take a boat trip out to the Farne Islands, an experience we highly recommend. Accommodation: Two nights in an inn overlooking the harbour. All rooms are ensuite and the inn has a bar and restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike.

Meals:  B

There is much to see and do in Seahouses, and our recommendation is to take a boat trip out to the Farne Islands. An archipelago of 28 islands with wonderful names like Megstone, Elbow and Wideopen, some of the islands are submerged by water at high tide. The islands are owned by the National Trust and are an important wildlife reserve home to Puffin, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Shag, Guillemot, Fulmar and Cormorant during spring and summer. There are Grey Seal colonies and an array of other wildlife throughout the year. You can pre-book trips online with boat companies such as Billy Shiel and Serenity, or simply walk to the harbour and book your trip at one of the kiosks, choosing the time and duration of your trip to suit. Should the weather be unsuitable for sailing today, tomorrow’s walk is a short one so there is a second chance for a morning boat trip. After your island experience, you may want to try some more local smoked fish specialities. ‘Swallow Fish’ have been operating since 1843. Visitors are also welcome at The Fisherman’s Kitchen, where historic fishing memorabilia is displayed alongside the catch-of-the-day. Seahouses is known for the story of iconic Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) figure, Grace Darling. She and her father took a rowing boat out to sea from Longstone Lighthouse and managed to save people after SS Forfarshire was wrecked on the coast.

Meals:  B

Today is a short walk, offering fabulous views of the Farne Islands, and your ultimate destination, Holy Island. Your walk is to Bamburgh, famous for its castle. There are 2 walk options, you can follow the Northumberland Coastal Path or if the tide is out (check tide times locally) you can follow the beach all the way to Bamburgh. The sixth century Kings of Northumbria chose Bamburgh as their capital, passing it to Saxon control in 590 – the name derives from Bebba, the Queen of Saxon King Aethelfrith. After falling into dilapidation in the 18th century it was restored in the 1800s by the Armstrong family who still own the castle today. Readers and viewers of “The Last Kingdom” will know it as the mythical Bebbanburg. The castle is open daily for visitors, pre-booking your ticket online is recommended. Accommodation: A beautiful old stone building on the village green in Bamburgh with comfortable rooms (all ensuite). The hotel has a bar and brasserie and is close to the Grace Darling museum.

Meals:  B

Your journey today is to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, an important centre of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled on the island in AD635, including St Cuthbert who became bishop. The illuminated manuscript known as the Lindisfarne Gospels was created here in the 8th century, and the Vikings famously invaded on one of the first raids on the British isles. The island has been a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years and you have the option to take the traditional pilgrim’s route across the sands at low-tide, barefoot, after a short bus journey from Bamburgh. The area is tidal so you must check local tide times in advance to be sure you have the correct time as the journey should only be taken on a receding tide. Full information will be given when you book. Holy Island is a beautiful place and the priory ruins, dating back 1400 years, are atmospheric. There is a castle on the island and until 1893 this served as a defensive garrison. In 1901 It became a private residence redesigned by Edwin Lutyens. You can enjoy a visit to the castle and Gertrude Jekyll’s Garden, ablaze with colour in summer, and stroll over to the famous fishermen's huts, made out of inverted boats. Accommodation: A hotel that is a former Manor House with views to Lindisfarne Priory. The hotel has a bar and restaurant; all rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  B

Arrangements end after breakfast. You may wish to rise early today to enjoy some more time exploring the island before the influx of day visitors. A local bus service runs to nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mon – Sat) from where you can take the train to London or Edinburgh. Please talk to a member of our team if you would like us to organize a taxi transfer for you.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunches, dinner and drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees to historical site and boat trips
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • Excess Luggage (Max weight 20kg)

Accommodation

Hotels, guesthouses & country inns

You will stay in a range of Northumbrian hotels, inns and guesthouses, all chosen for their local character, proximity to the walking route and comfort. Rooms will have private bathrooms and generally a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. An English breakfast will usually be served and some of the accommodations have bars and restaurants specialising in locally-sourced food. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there are limited accommodation options in rural England. Also, although we aim to get you into accommodations with ensuite rooms, this is not always possible.

Trail Surface

Sandy beaches, grassy paths and coastal trails

The trails hugs the coast for most of the trip, and underfoot conditions can vary. There are areas of mild ascent and descent, and the elevation changes are not extreme. Trails will include sandy beaches, grassy footpaths, some sections of boardwalk and parts of the trail run along cliff edges with narrow and rocky paths. All areas can become muddy and slippery if it rains and care should be taken. The Pilgrim's Way crossing to Lindisfarne will be mostly on sand, and only undertaken at the correct time of day when the tide is receding. It is essential you check the tide times for this before you set out. A good level of walking fitness is required, as are good boots with ankle support.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

This walk is graded Introductory to Moderate. The walking is generally straightforward along coastal trails and local footpaths although beach walking and sand dunes may make for slower going in some places. The walk lengths are relatively short allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing and for visiting the local historical sites and nature reserves.

Departure dates

Daily from 21 Mar to 24 Sep

Priceper person from

£860GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£450
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£500
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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Northumberland is the most north-eastern county in England, and sits against the Scottish border and the coast of the North Sea. For centuries it was a remote part of Britain, and it is still sparsely populated outside of the bigger towns. A Kingdom of Saxon England, the area has a rich history with many ancient castles and fortifications that protected the local people against marauding Vikings. The area was also home to one of the most important sites of early English Christendom, Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, seat of St Cuthbert. Northumberland remains a beautiful county where you are assured a warm welcome. The coast is particularly enchanting, with huge beaches of golden sand set against the backdrop of ancient castles and big skies. Try the local seafood; the area is famous for kippers (smoked herring). The wildlife-spotting opportunities are exceptional as the coastline here is a haven for nesting birds in the spring and summer with seal colonies and the chance of seeing passing dolphins, porpoises and whales. Your trip includes the opportunity to visit the Farne Islands, a protected nature reserve.

One of the highlights of this trip is the chance to walk the Pilgrim's Way to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) from the mainland. The island has been a place of pilgrimage since AD635 and before the causeway road was built in the 1950s, the only way to reach the island was by boat or on foot. For centuries visiting pilgrims made their way to Holy Island barefoot across the sands at low tide. The route is marked by vertical poles in the sand and it is very important to choose the correct time to set off for your crossing as the journey must only be made when the tide is receding. We will help you find the information so you can calculate the correct time to do this. The walk is about 3 miles and takes approximately 2 hours. Arriving on Holy Island in the footsteps of the many pilgrims who have made the crossing over the last 1400 years is a very special experience. If for any reason you can’t cross the sands, you can walk along the causeway road or take the Holy Island Hopper bus service.

The Northumberland coast is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a wonderful place for spotting seabirds through the spring and summer. One of the special things about this itinerary is that we have designed it so you have 2 nights in Seahouses, a small fishing village, from where you can take a boat trip to the Farne Islands. This group of islands off the Northumberland Coast was declared by Sir David Attenborough as his favourite place to see nature in the UK. There are around 23 different bird species you can see here, including colourful puffins who return to mate and raise their offspring (charmingly called Pufflings) each year. Look out for the colonies of grey seals, as the islands have the largest breeding colony in England. The seabirds are spectacular and between mid-April and July you will see razorbills, guillemots, eider duck and kittiwakes. Bring your binoculars! And a hat...arctic terns will swoop and dive-bomb unsuspecting visitors to protect their nests!

Compared to the rest of the UK, Northumberland's climate may be described as dry, cool and sunny. Although the Northumberland Coast is one of the driest places in England, with an average of only 650mm per year, you should be prepared for rain. Occasionally you might encounter mud on the path, particularly through agricultural areas so we recommend good, lightweight and waterproof walking boots. Although the path is generally flat and undulating rather than mountainous, we also recommend that your boots should provide ankle support.

The Northumberland Coastal Path is now a part of the new King Charles III Coast Path in the North East of England. This is a new walking route that will follow the entire coast of England. The path is being opened in sections as permission of landowners is gained, rights of way improved and signage erected. When the King Charles III path is complete it will be the longest coastal path in the world.

It is worth arriving a day early if you can to spend an extra night in Alnmouth. From here you can visit Alnwick Castle, ancestral seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, where you can visit the castle and the famous gardens. If you would like to spend a full day on Holy Island, an extra night at the end of the trip will allow you to take your time to visit all the sights and to enjoy the special ambience, particularly after the day-trippers have left. Ask our team for advice on this when you book and we will be glad to assist.

Northumberland Coastal Path Trip reviews

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