Walk Northumberland Coast Path & Lindisfarne

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.

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. 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. Continue to Dunstanburgh Castle (worth a visit!) before you take a small detour off the coastal path inland to your accommodation in the village of Embleton. Your walk today passes 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. You may set some time aside tomorrow mornin gto visit the castle, or enjoy some time here today. Accommodation: Overnight in a simple, traditional, stone-built country inn with cosy interiors, offering a classic English pub atmosphere with rooms above. All rooms are ensuite.

Today commence with a hike along the dramatic beach at Embleton Bay, a long stretch of golden sand. Or, if you didn't get a chance to visit Dunstanburgh Castle yesterday, you may want to set some time aside for it this morning. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.