Northumberland Coast Path

The Northumberland Coast AONB offers some of the finest coastal walking in the country. From sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, interspersed with dramatic castles and quaint coastal villages, it is a constantly changing landscape.

The Northumberland Coast Path, part of the North Sea Trail, is a 103 kilometre (64 mile) continuous coastal walking route between Cresswell in the south and Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.

The route mainly follows rights of way (footpaths and bridleways) but in some places follows beaches, minor roads, tracks and permissive paths.

The route is fairly level with very few steep climbs and the surface is generally firm although some sections can become muddy in winter or after heavy rain.

Most of the step over stiles along the route have now been replaced with gates to improve accessibility.

 

Getting Here and Public Transport

By Air
The nearest airport is Newcastle International which has a direct rapid rail link (the Metro) to Newcastle City Centre (approx 20 minutes). Newcastle International Airport has direct flights from many European and UK cities. http://www.newcastleairport.com/

By Ferry
Ferries from Netherlands and Scandinavia dock at Royal Quays Ferry Terminal near Newcastle; buses are available to transfer passengers to Newcastle city centre.

By Train
Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick are all served by GNER from London or Scotland on the East Coast Main Line and by Virgin Cross Country trains from Scotland, the Midlands and the South-West. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Buses
The coast path is served by several bus routes, from the South there is a direct service from Newcastle and Morpeth to Alnwick and Berwick, there is also a direct bus to Cresswell. Change at Alnwick for coastal services to Amble, Alnmouth and Seahouses. Change at Belford for all other coastal services.

To plan your journey visits Journey planner at http://www.jplanner.org.uk/ or call traveline on 0870 608 2608

 

 

Where to stay and eat

Most of the towns and villages along the path provide bed and breakfast or guest house accommodation. Larger hotels can be found in Amble, Warkworth, Alnmouth, Seahouses, Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

There are no campsites along the southern section of the path and wild camping is not encouraged, as a result camping is not currently an option for those wishing to walk the whole route.

Probably the best way to walk the whole trail is to use the local bus services to travel to your accommodation at the end of each day.

To find details of accommodation visit the North East England website at http://www.visitnortheastengland.co.uk/

There is a wide range of places to eat along the trail, from sandwich shops and cafés to fine restaurants and of course the famous fish and chip shops.

Look out for local specialities such as freshly caught crab and lobster, Craster Kippers and stotties.

To read more about the North Sea Trail, follow this link.