Castle-Bagging on the Northumberland Coastal Path
- webmasteribex
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Straight after the Ibex Easter weekend David, Susan and Patricia headed to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, our base for David and Patricia to walk the Northumberland Coastal Path. Patricia's partner (Yvonne) met the rest of us in Berwick (and was happy to cook delicious meals each evening!). David prepared for the walk with an excellent massage at Khanetic on the Quayside. Our accommodation was a large static caravan on the outskirts of Berwick.
The next day Susan, who was still recovering from a fractured ankle, drove us to Fenwick from where we walked back to Berwick. Along the coast we found dozens of giant "concrete cubes" (anti-tank defences) and several pill boxes from WW2. There were also good views of Holy Island - it took a few minutes to cross its road due to its popularity! Further along the coast were interesting coloured and contoured rocks and nearer Berwick some nice sandy beaches. Berwick is entered via Spittal Point which has some interesting storyboards describing how it was once a thriving industrial area in the 1800s. From here there are good views of Berwick's impressive ramparts.
Day 2 started at Fenwick again but this time walking south to Bamburgh. Much of the day was walking inland where it's not possible for the NCP to keep to the coast. A highlight was an elevenses stop next to the lovely Swinhoe Lakes. A mile or two from Bamburgh the path rejoins the coast and Bamburgh Castle towers above the sandy beach below. It's very impressive! Susan visited the castle in the afternoon and met us there.
Day 3 started at Bamburgh, heading for Craster. On the way was the picturesque village of Seahouses with its small harbour of fishing and sightseeing boats. Seahouses was exited via a large golf course, then it was through a large expanse of sand dunes beside Beadnell Bay to a lunch spot above a cove intriguingly named Football Hole. Soon after, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle came into view and was reached via another large golf course (and dodging golf balls!). Susan met us in Craster, a short distance from the castle. Refreshments were had in the local pub before returning to Berwick.
The following day was deemed a day off. Patricia and Yvonne opted for a trip to Holy Island whilst David and Susan relaxed in Berwick.
Day 4 started off wet, cold and windy and the sea was very rough. So with heads down fast progress was made along the coast. The rain later stopped and a welcome stop was had at a coffee shop in Alnmouth. Lunch was had in some large sand dunes outside Alnmouth (out of the wind). Another golf course led us to Warkworth, our destination for the day, where Susan met us (she had been looking around its castle). Refreshments were had in one of the pubs before returning to Berwick.
Day 5 involved a long drive to the small village of Cresswell (where the NCP starts/finishes) as we had decided to walk back to Warkworth. There was a cold wind blowing, so it wasn't a day for hanging around. After finding the start/finish point, we headed northwards on sand dunes which was hard work. A local was walking in the same direction so she joined us for the first 5 miles. At Amble we stopped for coffee in an upturned boat (part of a cafe). Susan joined us there for coffee. From Amble it was just a couple of miles to Warkworth and the completion of our walk. We celebrated in another Warkworth pub.
The Northumberland Coastal Path is 100 km/62 miles in length and runs between Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Cresswell. Most of the walk is fairly flat so it makes for easy walking.
Author: David
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