Craster Coast

DISTANCE: 9.5KM (6 MILES)
GRADE OF WALK: EASY
TIME: 2 HOURS
EXPLORER MAP:Sheet 332

A delightfully varied walk that is a microcosm of what Northumberland has to offer: rolling farmland, rich wildlife and flora, traditional fishing village, coastal views, stately home and gardens, and a dramatic ruined castle, and all within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you love gardens, be sure to add enough time to visit Howick Hall Gardens and why not treat yourself to a traditional kipper tea at the walk’s end.

START/PARKING

Quarry Car Park, Craster, on edge of village OS Map Grid Reference NU256198

RECOMMENDED ROUTE

From the Tourist Information Centre in the car park, enter the Arnold Memorial Northumberland Wildlife Trust Reserve. The entrance is by the information panels. Follow the path through the reserve, past the first gate and through the second gate and head uphill across the pasture field to the gate by the road.

Cross the road and head up the farm track towards the farm. Bear left following the waymark discs along a short grassy track, and then continue along the field edge.

Eventually you will come to two stiles. Cross the second one, signposted for Howick, and follow the path to the right, under the escarpment.

Bear right onto the track and follow it to the road.

At the road, turn left and walk along the roadside path. You could break your walk here and visit Howick Hall Gardens, home of the Grey family (as Prime Minister, the 2nd Earl Grey introduced the 1832 Reform Bill). The house is not open to the public but the award-winning gardens and arboretum are a garden lovers delight. Continue straight ahead on the road towards the sea. Take care as the road can be busy in summer.

Where the road bears left, continue straight ahead taking the track towards the sea.

Turn left at the end of the track and follow the coastal path back to Craster. The path here is part of the North Sea Trail, a 103 km (64-mile) walk between Cresswell in the south of Northumberland and Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.

When you reach Craster village, follow the path on the seaward side of the children's play area, in front of the houses. The path continues through the pub garden (you may wish to end your walk here!) to the harbour. In the 19th-century, Craster was a famous fishing centre for herring, cured as kippers. Today, only Robson's smokehouses remain. Their shop and restaurant are opposite the pub. Turn left up the road, noting the ruined 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle along the coast to your right, back to the Tourist Information Centre and car park.

This walk was supplied by the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information visit www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org Entry Fee is charged to Howick Hall Gardens.