How To Hike the Northumberland Coastal Path (Map & Complete Guide)

This spectacular long-distance trail traces England’s most dramatic coastline, passing ancient castles, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages along Northumberland’s wild shores.

The Northumberland Coastal Path is a 62-mile journey that hugs the rugged coastline of Northeast England. It stretches from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed at the Scottish border, showcasing some of Britain’s most unspoiled coastal scenery.

This magnificent trail takes you past towering medieval fortresses like Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle, across windswept dunes and golden beaches, and through sleepy villages where fishing boats still bob in tiny harbours.

The path meanders along clifftops with sweeping sea views, descends to secluded coves perfect for a refreshing dip, and crosses tidal causeways to reach the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The coastline here feels wild and timeless. Seabirds wheel overhead, seals bask on rocky outcrops, and on clear days you can spot the Farne Islands rising from the North Sea. The light is extraordinary, especially at dawn and dusk when it bathes the ancient castles in golden hues.

Several charming coastal towns and villages punctuate the route. They are perfect places to rest your legs, sample fresh seafood, and soak up the local maritime heritage.

The walk is graded moderate overall, though individual sections vary from easy to challenging. You’ll need reasonable fitness for the longer stages and should be comfortable with coastal walking.

In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about hiking the Northumberland Coastal Path, including how to plan your journey, accommodation options, detailed section breakdowns, and practical tips for making the most of this outstanding coastal adventure.

NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PATH OVERVIEW

• Start: Cresswell
• Finish: Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Distance: 100 km / 62 miles
• Duration: 5-7 days (or tackle individual sections)
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,200 meters cumulative
• Difficulty: Moderate

This is one of England’s finest coastal walks, and unlike many long-distance paths, you can easily tackle it in sections using public transport or by basing yourself in one location.

The trail officially begins at Cresswell, a small village south of Amble, and heads north through a succession of coastal gems. You’ll pass the harbour town of Amble, walk beneath the dramatic ruins of Warkworth Castle, and traverse miles of pristine sandy beaches.

The middle section takes you past Alnmouth’s colourful beach huts, through the dunes to Boulmer, and onwards to Craster, famous for its kippers. From here, a spectacular stretch leads to the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, one of the most atmospheric castle sites in England.

The path continues north past the elegant village of Embleton and its sweeping bay, before reaching Beadnell with its distinctive lime kilns. Low Newton-by-the-Sea follows, a picture-perfect hamlet clustered around a village green.

Then comes one of the highlights: Bamburgh Castle, an imposing fortress perched on volcanic rock, dominates the skyline for miles. The beach here is consistently voted one of Britain’s best.

Beyond Bamburgh, you’ll cross the tidal causeway to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), home to ancient monastery ruins and a population that swells from 180 residents to thousands of visitors during summer days.

The final stretch takes you through Berwick-upon-Tweed’s impressive Elizabethan ramparts, marking your arrival at England’s northernmost town.

I’ve rated the walk as moderate because while no individual section is extremely difficult, the cumulative distance and exposure to coastal weather require good preparation and fitness. Some sections involve walking on sand and pebbles, which can be tiring.

Most people take 5-7 days to complete the entire trail, but I’ve met hikers who’ve done it in 4 days and others who’ve leisurely spread it over 10 days, taking time to explore the villages and attractions.

NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PATH MAP

The trail is well-waymarked throughout with Northumberland Coastal Path signs featuring an acorn symbol (the National Trail marker) and blue directional arrows.

Key locations along the route include:

• Cresswell (start point)
• Amble (harbour town)
• Warkworth (castle village)
• Alnmouth (coastal village)
• Craster (fishing village)
• Dunstanburgh Castle (dramatic ruins)
• Embleton (village and bay)
• Beadnell (harbour village)
• Seahouses (tourist hub, Farne Islands trips)
• Bamburgh (castle and beach)
• Holy Island/Lindisfarne (tidal island)
• Berwick-upon-Tweed (finish point)

For physical maps, I recommend: OS Explorer Maps 332, 340, and 346 cover the entire route.

For digital navigation, the OS Maps app is excellent and includes the full trail. Alternatively, Maps.me works well offline once you’ve downloaded the region.

GETTING TO THE START AND FROM THE FINISH

GETTING TO CRESSWELL (START)

By Car: Cresswell is just off the A1068 coastal road, about 5 miles south of Amble. There’s limited parking in the village. If completing the entire trail, consider parking in Berwick-upon-Tweed and taking the bus to Cresswell to start.

By Bus: The X18 Arriva bus runs along the coast between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, stopping at Cresswell and most coastal villages. The service runs several times daily.

By Train: The nearest station is Acklington (3 miles inland), but it’s easier to get the train to Alnmouth station and start from there, or begin from Warkworth.

LEAVING FROM BERWICK-UPON-TWEED (FINISH)

By Train: Berwick-upon-Tweed has excellent rail connections on the East Coast Main Line, with regular services to Edinburgh (45 minutes) and Newcastle (45 minutes).

By Bus: The X18 bus returns south down the coast to Newcastle via all the coastal villages.

By Car: If you’ve left your car at the start, take the train back to Alnmouth or get the X18 bus back to Cresswell.

SECTION-BY-SECTION HIKING GUIDE

I’ll break down the trail into manageable daily sections. You can adjust these based on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend exploring.

DAY 1: CRESSWELL TO ALNMOUTH (16 miles / 26 km, 5-6 hours)

Start your journey at Cresswell, where the path heads north along the coast. The trail passes through Druridge Bay Country Park, following seven miles of gorgeous sandy beach backed by dunes.

You’ll pass Amble, a working harbour town where you can grab coffee and watch fishing boats. The path then follows the River Coquet inland briefly to cross at Warkworth, dominated by its magnificent 12th-century castle perched above the river.

From Warkworth, the trail returns to the coast, passing Birling Carrs rocky shore before reaching Alnmouth. This charming village sits at the mouth of the River Aln, with colourful houses lining the estuary and a long sandy beach.

The walking is mostly flat and easy, with a mix of beach, dune paths, and some road walking through Amble.

Where to Stay: Alnmouth has several B&Bs, pubs with rooms, and a hotel. Book ahead in summer.

DAY 2: ALNMOUTH TO CRASTER (11 miles / 18 km, 4-5 hours)

This is one of my favourite sections. From Alnmouth, head north along the beach to Boulmer, a small fishing village with a working harbour.

The path then climbs onto low cliffs with wonderful sea views before descending to Howick and its beautiful wooded gardens (worth a detour if you have time).

Continue north through Longhoughton and across Rumbling Kern, a dramatic chasm where the sea crashes into a rock arch. The path then drops down to Craster, a picturesque fishing village famous for oak-smoked kippers.

Stop at Craster for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants or grab traditional kippers from L. Robson & Sons smokehouse. The harbour is lovely, with fishing boats and stacks of creels.

The terrain is varied, with some clifftop sections, rocky shores, and a few moderate climbs.

Where to Stay: Craster has limited accommodation, but there are B&Bs available. Alternatively, stay in nearby Embleton (2 miles north).

DAY 3: CRASTER TO SEAHOUSES (12 miles / 19 km, 4-5 hours)

Today brings one of the trail’s absolute highlights: Dunstanburgh Castle. Leave Craster heading north, and within a mile, the dramatic silhouette of this ruined fortress appears ahead, perched on a rocky headland.

The approach to Dunstanburgh is spectacular. The castle grows larger with each step, its jagged walls rising against the sky. Built in the 14th century, it’s now a romantic ruin managed by English Heritage (small entry fee).

Beyond the castle, continue across Embleton Bay, a sweeping curve of golden sand backed by dunes. The beach walking can be tiring, but the views are superb.

Pass through the village of Embleton, then continue to Beadnell, where 18th-century lime kilns stand by the harbour. The path follows Beadnell Bay’s three miles of sand before reaching Low Newton-by-the-Sea, an impossibly pretty hamlet with a pub overlooking the green.

The final stretch takes you to Seahouses, a busy little seaside town and the departure point for boat trips to the Farne Islands.

Where to Stay: Seahouses has plenty of accommodation options, from hotels to B&Bs and hostels.

DAY 4: SEAHOUSES TO BAMBURGH (6 miles / 10 km, 2-3 hours)

This is a short but stunning day. The path heads north from Seahouses along clifftops with views across to the Farne Islands, where thousands of seabirds nest and grey seals breed.

You’ll pass North Sunderland and continue along the coast, with Bamburgh Castle gradually dominating the view ahead. This is one of Britain’s most impressive castles, sitting on a throne of volcanic rock high above the beach.

The path brings you down onto Bamburgh’s magnificent beach, three miles of pristine sand with the castle as a backdrop. It’s consistently rated one of the UK’s best beaches, and on a sunny day, it’s easy to see why.

Bamburgh village is small but perfectly formed, with a couple of excellent pubs, cafes, and shops. The castle is open to visitors and well worth exploring.

This short day gives you time to visit the castle, relax on the beach, or take a boat trip to the Farne Islands from Seahouses (book ahead in summer).

Where to Stay: Bamburgh has several hotels, B&Bs, and a hostel.

DAY 5: BAMBURGH TO HOLY ISLAND (11 miles / 18 km, 4-5 hours + tidal considerations)

Today requires careful planning because you need to cross the tidal causeway to Holy Island, which is only passable at low tide. Check the tide times before you set out.

From Bamburgh, the path follows the coast north past Budle Bay, a haven for birdwatchers with its mudflats and saltmarshes. You’ll pass Ross Back Sands and Fenham Flats, wide open spaces with big skies.

The path reaches the causeway at Beal. The modern causeway road is the easiest crossing, but there’s also an ancient pilgrim’s route marked by poles across the sands (only attempt this at low tide and with a guide or good local knowledge).

Holy Island is magical. This tidal island has been a place of pilgrimage since St Aidan founded a monastery here in 635 AD. Lindisfarne Priory’s haunting ruins stand as a reminder of this sacred heritage.

The island is tiny but packed with interest: the priory, Lindisfarne Castle (a Tudor fort converted into an Edwardian holiday home by Edwin Lutyens), and a small village with pubs, cafes, and a meadery.

Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the island. Watch the tide come in and cut you off from the mainland—it’s a special experience.

Critical: You must leave the island before the causeway closes or stay overnight. Display boards show safe crossing times, and there are refuge towers if you’re caught out, but plan properly.

Where to Stay: Holy Island has a few B&Bs and a hotel. Book well in advance as accommodation is limited.

DAY 6: HOLY ISLAND TO BERWICK-UPON-TWEED (15 miles / 24 km, 5-6 hours + tidal considerations)

Check the tide times and cross the causeway when it opens. The path heads north from the causeway through Goswick, passing more beautiful beaches.

You’ll walk along Cheswick Sands and past Scremerston before the path brings you into Berwick-upon-Tweed, England’s northernmost town.

Berwick is fascinating—it changed hands between England and Scotland 14 times during medieval conflicts. The town is surrounded by Elizabethan ramparts, and the walk along these walls is a perfect way to finish your journey.

Cross the River Tweed on the elegant Royal Border Bridge, and you’ve completed the Northumberland Coastal Path. Congratulations!

Berwick has a good range of restaurants and pubs. Celebrate your achievement with fish and chips overlooking the river.

Where to Stay: If you’re staying overnight before traveling home, Berwick has numerous hotels and B&Bs.

HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

This is my favourite castle on the entire route. Reached only on foot from either Craster or Embleton, Dunstanburgh’s isolation adds to its atmosphere. Built in 1313 by the Earl of Lancaster, it occupies a magnificent coastal location. The ruins are extensive, and you can explore the gatehouse and towers.

Entry costs around £7 for adults (English Heritage members free). The castle is open daily from April to October, weekends only in winter.

BAMBURGH CASTLE

Unlike Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh Castle is fully restored and occupied. It’s been a fortress since the 6th century and was restored in the Victorian era by industrialist William Armstrong.

You can explore the state rooms, armory, and dungeons. The views from the ramparts are spectacular. Entry is around £15 for adults, and it’s open daily from March to October, weekends in winter.

HOLY ISLAND (LINDISFARNE)

This tidal island is steeped in history. Lindisfarne Priory was one of the most important centers of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. The Lindisfarne Gospels, now in the British Library, were created here.

Visit the priory ruins (English Heritage, entry fee applies), explore Lindisfarne Castle, and taste the locally produced mead. The island has a timeless quality that makes the tidal isolation worthwhile.

Tidal Information: Crossing times are posted at the causeway and online. Generally, you have about 3-4 hours either side of low tide to cross safely. Never attempt to drive across outside safe times.

THE FARNE ISLANDS

While not on the path itself, boat trips from Seahouses to the Farne Islands are unmissable. These rocky outcrops are home to one of Britain’s largest seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and terns.

Grey seals breed here, and you’ll see them lounging on rocks and swimming around the boats. Trips run from April to October, with the best time for puffins being May to July.

BEST TIME TO HIKE THE NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PATH

The best time to hike the Northumberland Coastal Path is from May to September. The weather is at its most reliable, the days are long, and all facilities are open.

I hiked in June, and conditions were excellent. The wildflowers were blooming in the dunes, the seabirds were nesting, and the weather was mainly sunny with a few typical British showers.

May to July: Best for birdwatching, especially puffins on the Farne Islands. Wildflowers are beautiful in the dunes.

August: Warmest month but busiest with tourists, especially at Bamburgh and Holy Island.

September: My top choice. Quieter than summer, still warm, and the light is wonderful for photography.

October to April: Possible but challenging. Many accommodations close, weather is unpredictable, and days are short. The coast is wild and beautiful but be prepared for wind and rain.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE

Hiking Boots: Essential. The terrain varies from sand to rocks to muddy paths. I use waterproof boots similar to these Scarpa or Salomon models.

Walking Poles: Helpful for beach walking and if you’re carrying a full backpack. Leki or Black Diamond poles are reliable.

Waterproofs: Absolutely essential. Coastal weather changes rapidly. Take a good waterproof jacket and over-trousers.

Layers: Even in summer, the coastal wind can be chilly. Pack fleece or insulated layers.

Sun Protection: When the sun’s out, there’s little shade on coastal paths. Take sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.

Water: Carry at least 1.5 liters. Some sections have no facilities for miles. I use a hydration bladder in my backpack.

Maps: OS Explorer Maps 332, 340, and 346, or use the OS Maps app on your phone. Don’t rely solely on phone battery.

First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment—new boots can cause problems on long walks.

Snacks: Take energy bars, nuts, or fruit for between villages.

Tide Times: Essential if crossing to Holy Island. Check online or get a printed tide table.

Camera: The castles, beaches, and wildlife offer incredible photo opportunities.

Binoculars: For birdwatching and seal spotting.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

B&Bs and Guesthouses: The most common option in villages along the route. Book ahead, especially in summer.

Hotels: Available in larger towns like Alnmouth, Seahouses, Bamburgh, and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Camping: Campsites are available at several points, including near Alnmouth, Beadnell, and Bamburgh. Wild camping isn’t permitted.

Hostels: Limited but available in Wooler (slightly inland) and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Baggage Transfer: Several companies offer baggage transfer services, allowing you to walk with just a day pack while your luggage is transported to your next accommodation.

PRACTICAL TIPS

1. Book Accommodation Early: Summer gets busy, especially around Holy Island and Bamburgh.
2. Check Tide Times: Critical for Holy Island. Times are available online and at the causeway.
3. Take Cash: Some smaller villages have limited card facilities.
4. Respect the Coast: Take all litter with you, stick to paths through sensitive dune areas, and give wildlife space.
5. Public Transport: The X18 bus is a lifeline for this trail, allowing you to tackle sections or return to your car/accommodation.
6. Flexibility: Build in a spare day if possible. Weather can force changes to plans.
7. Food: Villages are well-spaced, but carry snacks. Not every village has a shop or cafe.
8. Phone Signal: Generally good along the coast, but can be patchy in some areas.

WALKING THE PATH IN SECTIONS

Don’t feel you need to complete the entire trail. The Northumberland Coastal Path is perfect for section walking using the X18 bus.

Popular Day Walks:

• Craster to Bamburgh via Dunstanburgh Castle (18 miles)
• Bamburgh to Holy Island (11 miles, tide dependent)
• Alnmouth to Craster (11 miles)
• Seahouses to Bamburgh (6 miles)

You can base yourself in one location and walk different sections, or tackle a long weekend covering the highlights from Craster to Holy Island.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Northumberland Coastal Path is one of Britain’s finest coastal walks. It combines dramatic castle ruins, pristine beaches, charming villages, and abundant wildlife into an unforgettable journey.

What I love most is how uncrowded it feels compared to other British coastal paths. Even in summer, you’ll have long stretches of beach to yourself, with only seabirds for company.

The castles are the architectural highlights, but it’s the ever-changing coastal scenery that makes this walk special—the play of light on the sea, the cry of terns, the feeling of sand beneath your boots, and the satisfaction of reaching Berwick after 62 miles on England’s wildest coast.

Whether you complete the entire trail or just walk from Craster to Bamburgh for the day, the Northumberland coast will leave an impression. It’s a landscape that feels timeless and authentic, a corner of England that remains refreshingly uncommercialized.

Pack your boots, check the tide times, and discover why this is one of England’s best-kept secrets. The Northumberland coast is waiting.