Craster to Dunstanburgh

No wonder this is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can marvel at wide, unspoilt beaches, a dramatic 14th Century castle and the traditional fishing village of Craster – try one of the famous kippers from the Robson family smokehouse. Dunstanburgh Castle grounds are open to the public and well worth a visit. Fantastic water features and the world’s largest tree-house can be found at The Alnwick Garden, a few miles inland.

START/PARKING

The Tourist Information Centre. There is ample car parking situated to the rear.
OS Map Grid Reference NU256198

RECOMMENDED ROUTE

1. From the Tourist Information Centre cross the road and follow the public footpath signed to Dunstan Square. The path leads under a canopy of overhanging shrubs. After about 100 metres take the right fork which leads through a gate marked with a National Trust way-marker. The path, which leads below the Whinstone Ridge, is indistinct in places but the direction is clear.
2. At the kissing gate turn left and go through a five bar gate, ensuring that the gate is closed behind you. Once through the gate, head up the field towards Dunstan Square Farm, keeping to the lefthand side of the field. At the farm go through the gate and turn right, then straight ahead through another gate onto a concrete road. After about 1.5km the road reaches Dunstan Steads Farm.
3. Once through the farmyard, turn right onto a narrow road which heads towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course. Through the boundary gate turn right onto the course and follow the fence line south towards Dunstanburgh Castle. Please keep to the fence line and do not stray onto the course. Whilst on the golf course beware of flying golf balls at all times.
4. After 1km the path rejoins the coast by crossing to the left-hand side of the green, at this point again beware of golfers and golf balls. Follow the path south through a kissing gate. The route skirts to the inland side of Dunstanburgh Castle.
5. Just to the south of the castle the path heads south and follows the coast to Craster Village. A short detour to explore the castle is worthwhile and can be made from here. Once at the harbour turn right and back to the Tourist Information Centre.