Bamburgh, Northumberland

Nearest mainline rail station in Chathill on the Newcastle–Berwick line (www.eastcoast.co.uk). 

Several bus routes serve the coast path, notably the 411 and 501 linking Craster and Bamburgh (0871 200 2233, www.traveline.info). 

Since this is a linear walk – there are bus connections between each end – it might be best to take the bus out and walk back (the route can be walked in either direction).

Northumberland’s coastline – a designated Area of Outstanding natural Beauty – is duly renowned for its magnificent long sandy beaches and impressive castles.

(A) Bamburgh Castle (NU183349), built on a rocky outcrop above the attractive village and overlooking the beach, is an imposing spectacle, which justifiably graces the covers of many a tourist brochure and guidebook. Also of note in the village is St Aidan’s Church, which dates back  to the 13th century.

Opposite is the Grace Darling museum. In 1838, at the age of 23, Grace and her father (the Longstone lighthouse-keeper) rescued a number of survivors from the SS Forfarshire, which had run aground in the Outer Farnes.

[1] From the castle, just head south-east along the splendid beach keeping the sea on your left.

The seaward views are dominated by the Farne Islands, famous for their seabird colonies and grey seals. The islands are in the care of the National Trust.

(B) Seahouses (NU218321) is a popular holiday resort on the Northumberland coast and the access point for visiting the Farne Islands, with a choice of boat companies operating. The most rewarding time to visit for the breeding seabirds is mid-April to late-July. If you can spare a  couple of hours or so on the walk, a visit is well worthwhile.

[2] Continue in the same direction following the coastline.

[3] The next village en route is Beadnell (NU232295),

(C) Beadnell Harbour is backed by lime kilns.

Beyond here, continue on for the glorious sandy crescent beaches of Beadnell Bay and Embleton Bay, leading to Dunstanburgh Castle. To enjoy walking the beaches, try to time this stretch for low tide.  

Alternatively, if the tides are too high, there are paths through the dunes – at the stream called Long Nanny you may need to use the footbridge on the dune path anyway. The dunes here are home to a bird sanctuary, where the little tern thrives.

(D) The striking ruins of 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle (NU257217) owe much to their location on a crag above the sea. While the National  Trust owns this stretch of beautiful coastline, the castle is managed by English Heritage. The castle is accessible only on foot. 

[4] From here head southwards to Craster, the route is along well cropped grass and easy to walk.

[5] The route ends in Craster, from where you can catch a bus back to Bamburgh.

(E) The small fishing village of Craster (NU258205) is known for its kippers. The local herrings are smoked in a traditional manner over fires of oak sawdust by L Robson & Sons Ltd, a fourth-generation family business (http://www.kipper.co.uk).

The Northumberland Coast Path (part of the north Sea Trail) runs for 103km / 64 miles from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.  The route is well signposted and fairly level, and can be comfortably covered in five or six days. This walk samples one of its finest stretches, taking in Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles – two of Northumberland’s most iconic sights.

 Keep an eye on the tides – some of the beaches are better walked when the tide is low but alternative paths go through the dunes.

Terrain: Easy, fairly level coastal path along sandy beaches, dunes and low cliffs. Some stretches of road.

Maps: OS Explorer 340 & 332; Landranger 75 & 81

Visitor information: Tourist Tourist Information Centres in Seahouses (open Easter to end of October, 01665 720884), Alnwick (01665 510665), and Berwick (01289 330733). See also: www.visitnortheastengland.com/walking.

Local Ramblers Group: Alnwick Ramblers (www.northumbriaramblers.org.uk)

Eating & Drinking: Refreshments available at villages along the route.

Sleeping: Good selection of hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering cottages in villages along coast. 

This walk originally appeared in Walk magazine in Summer 2009 (issue 23).