Northumberland Coast Path Trail

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)

Ascent: 380 ft (120m) 

Walking south to north, our trail begins at wildlife-rich Druridge Bay. It’s eight miles of golden sands, dunes, and is home to a string of nature reserves with a fascinating array of birdlife. From Druridge, we pass through the bustling port of Amble with views out to the RSPB reserve of Coquet Island. Our trail ends at Warkworth, known for its impressive castle and equally impressive selection of coffee shops and a fantastic chocolatier.

Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5km)

Ascent: 820 ft (250m)

We’ll walk through dunes and coastal grasslands to Alnmouth, passing St Cuthbert’s cross along the way. Continue through the town and back out along the beach to the former smuggling haunt - now sleepy fishing village - of Boulmer. North from here is Sugar Sands and the rocky headland that’s home to hundreds of kittiwakes during the summer months. The final leg of our journey takes us to Craster, home to the famous Robson’s Smokehouse, known for their Craster kippers.

Distance: 10.5 miles (16.5km) 

Ascent: 380 ft (120m)

From Craster, we’ll set off over the rocky headland and ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, which overlooks swathes of golden sands and Embleton Bay. There’s Newton Pool Nature Reserve to explore before we cross Beadnell Bay to arrive at the busy port of Seahouses. From here you can spot the Farne Islands in the distance, a cluster of isles home to the UK’s largest colony of grey seals.

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 800 ft (240m)

Probably one of the most photographed sections of coast is on our route today as our walk takes us through the pretty village of Bamburgh. The vision of the mighty sea facing Bamburgh Castle set behind golden sand dunes is one that thousands of visitors flock here to see each year, and rightly so. Leaving the hubbub of Bamburgh, the peace and tranquillity of Budle Bay welcomes us – another fantastic spot for birdlife. Heading inland a little, Belford is our final call. Sample a little of the local brew at the Blue Bell, or treat yourself to some cake at the café.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 540 ft (160m)

We contrast coastal scenes with woodland and farmland today and have left plenty of time for a visit to Holy Island. Linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway, this sacred place is where you can follow in the footsteps of St Aidan and the ancient order of monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago. Don’t miss the museum for a chance to learn more about the 8th century manuscript known as the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Distance: 12 miles (19.5km) 

Ascent: 450 ft (140m)

We’ll complete a much more remote section of coast for the final leg of our journey, leaving behind the busier beaches to enjoy the peace and solitude of Cheswick Sands Nature Reserve and Cocklawburn Beach. The walled border town of Berwick upon Tweed marks the end of our trail, as we reach the border with Scotland, and the end of the Northumberland Coast Path.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.