The Northumberland Coastal Path 

The big one! This one is on our list to complete and we’re hoping it might be possible in 2021. We’ve wanted to do it for ages. Having grown up in Northumberland, we have a great knowledge if many parts of the coastal path, but never had the opportunity to complete all 62 miles of it from bottom to top. 

If your have a true adventuring spirit Northumberland has some of the finest coastal walking in Europe as suggested by https://www.northumberlandcoastpath.org/ and we couldn’t agree more! 

The whole 62 mile journey starts in the more southern part of Northumberland in Creswell and ends in Berwick upon Tweed. 

The stages are broken down as follows and can take anywhere from 3 – 7 days depending how far you want to push yourself, however my advice would be, with such a picturesque landscape, make sure you add in room for all those photos you’ll want to take. 

Stage 1 – Cresswell to Warkworth

Stage 2 – Walkworth to Craster 

Stage 3 – Craster to Seahouses 

Stage 4 – Seahouses to Belford 

Stage 5 – Belford to Fenwick

Sateg 6 – Fenwick to Berwick 

You can of course make up your own stage distance and stop off points. 

For lots more information on the coastal path challenge take a look at the official website  https://www.northumberlandcoastpath.org/

Cheviot 

Kicking off with Northumberland’s highest point, I don’t really think this one can be missed off. Many visitors to Northumberland only think of the region as a coastal area, however there is so much more to do aside from the beaches and the 62 miles of coastal path. 

The Cheviot Hills lies on the Northumberland – Scotland Border and is situated at the northern end of the Northumberland National Park. Not only popular for it’s peak but also offers other delights such as Linhope Spout and the College Valley. 

For more information on the Cheviot Hills visit https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/northumberland-national-park/cheviot-hills

Image: Dave Head for @shutterstock

Craster to Seahouses 

This walk starts at Craster and heads north up the coastline. You need to arrange some transport for this walk depending where you are staying. If staying in Seahouses, perhaps get the bus along to your starting point in Craster. The Tourist Information in Seahouses should have all the information you need on the coastal bus service.

Starting in the picturesque village of Craster, there are a couple of places for coffee and a public toilet, so you can prepare yourself for a walk that is around 4 hours long. 

Taking in some of the most scenic spots of the Northumberland Coastal path such as Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Beach, Low Newton and Beadnell Bay. 

Don’t forget the all-important pit stop at The Ship Inn for a Ploughmans or toasted sandwich and a pint along the way. 

Craster to Howick Gardens 

Can you tell we love Craster that much that it features as a starting point for two of our walks? This walk starts at Craster and heads south down the coast line. 

Head into Craster village and take a right at the harbour heading up past the Jolly Fisherman and Craster kipper smokery. 

Continue along the coast line where this walk will take around 1 and half hours at a leisurely pace. 

The foot path hugs the coastline closely and you’ll pass some of the lesser known beaches and coves such as Howick Haven. Worth a stop off on the beach with a flask of coffee. 

Setting off again and the coastal path will take you a short walk until you reach the road. Roughly 500m along the road will lead you to the entrance of Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum where upon entry to the garden, you can stop off at the tea room for lunch or cakes and enjoy a walk around one of Northumberland’s spectacular gardens. 

The coastal bus service mentioned earlier would be useful for this walk presuming you leave your car in Craster but note Howick Hall may not be an official stop.

Get lost in Thrunton Wood

As part of the Forestry Commission, Thrunton Wood is deep in the heart of Northumberland and attracts, walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders alike. 

https://www.forestryengland.uk/thrunton-wood/castle-hill-walk-thrunton-wood

The main walk at the forest is Castle Hill Walk, a 5 mile walk with steep gradient that offers fantastic views of the Cheviot Hills from the top. 

Find more information here. 

https://www.forestryengland.uk/thrunton-wood/castle-hill-walk-thrunton-wood

Whilst this is the main walk at Thunton Wood, there are shorter walks a plenty for a forest stroll. Perfect to run wild and get the whole family out and about.  

Kit list!

Our top tips of what to pack. 

It totally depends on the length of your walk and if you’re a seasoned walker you’ll have your kit list down to an art form. 

Some of our top tips would be: 

• A flask of something warm to drink and good snacks (for longer walks plan in your meals) 
• Plenty of water (but of course we highly recommend public house stop off points to keep you going!) 
• Good waterproof walking boots 
• Layered clothing for warmth
• A waterproof coat you just never know in Northumberland! 
• A small first aid kit with blister care
• Spare socks, there is nothing worse and no bigger cause of blisters than getting wet feet and having no dry socks!
• For longer walks – A map and clear route plan, don’t reply on your mobile phone, many rural places don’t always have signal! 
• A mobile phone to contact someone in an emergency