Journey along the scenic coastline of Northumberland

Summary

Embleton to Craster located near Alnwick, Northumberland is an 8 mile hike following the coastal line to the historical Dunstandburgh Castle, which is remote in its location and only accessed by foot.

The Hike

The hike began at the coastal town of Embleton, North of Dunstanburgh castle. Fresh sea aromas filled the air and our morale  as we walked along the grassy, filled path from the fellow strimming up the road, we headed towards the golf course that eventually leads onto the coastal path. Unknown to us we couldn’t find the path on the golf course so we scrambled onto the dunes, which rewarded us with views of the golden sands and wild North Sea.  After some time on the dunes, the path ended and we had to make a quick escape over the golf course, hoping that a flying spherical objects didn’t come hurtling towards us. Out of danger and into the sparse wildness, we were greeted with the natural expanding coastline that was filled with beauty and inspiration around every hidden corner.

Upon arrival of Dunstanburgh Castle, we didn’t stay long due to the swarm of tourists being there; also booking was required prior to arrival with a small fee of around £6 for entry. However the previous day before we were lucky enough to visit the castle without anybody there and as we walked past we had a smug look on our faces knowing we weren’t missing out.  Onwards we shortly approached the quaint town of Craster. Craster is a beautiful fishing village on the coast that is known for being the home of the kipper, a smoked fish delicacy. It reminded me of towns I have visited in Cornwall after living there for three years during my degree; another great part of the United Kingdom.  Ravenous from the smell of the smoked kippers and fresh fish, it would have been a shame not to stop for some smoked haddock chowder! Our lips tingled with the sensation of the hot chowder as it filled our stomachs and warmed us up ready to tackle to last half of the hike.

After lunch, following the coastal path, this headed out of Craster where we did an out and back loop, heading back towards the town before ascending up onto the open wonderland of Dunstanburgh Heughs.  

The further out of the town and away from coast we were, the more sparsely populated it was. With views of the north coast to the right of us and quiet fields in front and to the left , it was a great way to finish the last part of the hike away from everybody.

 A coastal hike that brings joy to almost anyone!

GPX | Northumberland