Hiking Walking

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Posted by admin | Posted in Camping & Hiking | Posted on 29-01-2010

hiking walking

Northumberland Coastal Walk – Dunstanburgh Castle

If you seek a gentle 7 mile walk in outstandingly beautiful surroundings then this walk starting at Craster and visiting Dunstanburgh Castle and the village of Embleton has a lot to offer.

Walking on country lanes and well trodden paths you can enjoy both the countryside and some of the most wonderful coastline surroundings you could wish for and in doing so you will hardly break sweat, it’s gentle all the way.

Leave Craster on the only road in to the village and on the right you meet a track leading to the Heughs and Dunstan Square from where a track continues north to Dunstan Steads. From this point the walk continues on quiet roads to Embleton, roads that appear devoid of traffic mainly and so the trek is uneventful though enjoyable through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. From Embleton the walk continues eastward along the road heading to The Skaith.

Arrival at the coastal path is quite dramatic with views to the north highlighting the majestic Bamburgh Castle situated on it’s rocky crag whilst the view south to Dunstanburgh Castle is an inviting sight along the wonderful Northumberland coastline. The views alone are worth the effort of the walk and you still have Dunstanburgh to visit!

The coastal walk is pitted with views of some interesting rock formations hewn by the relentless sea and winds over many centuries but you also encounter some beautiful beaches where, if the weather be favourable, you can stop and have a paddle.

Soon the castle looms into sight. Built in the 14th century it is strategically placed, utilising the natural defences of the cliffs and the sea the building now is largely a ruin but is still worth a visit. It has had some illustrious tenants including the Earl of Lancaster and the well know figure of John of Gaunt, the latter being responsible for large scale alterations and improvements to the structure.
Views from the castle are wonderful but with a little imagination one can envisage what it must have been like in it’s heyday, a building to rival it’s (now) illustrious neighbour Bamburgh Castle just up the coast.

After a while make your way back to Craster and enjoy a nice cuppa and partake of the local delicacy of fresh crab sandwiches – scrumptious. And while your about it grab some Craster kippers, breakfast will never be the same!

Seven miles with only a couple of hundred metres climbing makes for and easy relaxing day – try it and enjoy yourself.

Useful Resources

OS Explorer Map – Sheet 332

About the Author

The Mackem is an avid walker who has tackled walks across the British Isles for the past 45 years. From the English lakes to the Scottish Highlands – read his personal account of the routes he took and the challenges he faced.