Itinerary
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on sea conditions and tides.
Saturday: Welcome meeting and briefing with a glass of good cheer with our compliments. A chance to meet your fellow guests before dining at The Mizen’s renowned restaurant.
Sunday: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a gem of the Northumberland Coast. Walk on the Pilgrim’s Way, established in 635AD between Lindisfarne and the mainland. The 3.5-mile journey, part of St Oswald’s and St Cuthbert’s Way, is best done barefoot. This is a remarkable and unforgettable experience as you carry your boots on this section of the day’s walk! After lunch, walk a further 4.5 miles, this time with your boots on, to explore the wilder side of Lindisfarne. Explore a wonderful part of the island missed by most visitors. Or visit Lindisfarne Priory, museum and churches. Return to the mainland by coach. (Grade easy: 3.5 - 6 miles/6 - 10 km)
Monday: Howick to Beadnell The first stop today is Craster, a perfect fishing village, home of the kipper. This famous delicacy is still prepared in the village in oak smoked barrels. On to mighty Dunstanburgh Castle which dominates the skyline of this part of the Northumberland Coast. Then follow the sweep of Embleton Bay’s gloriously wide sandy beach to lunch at the gloriously-located Ship Inn. Hug the coast through dunes to Long Nanny Nature Reserve. There in May and June 2000 pairs of Arctic terns and 20 pairs of the rare little tern arrive. Finally walk along the shoreline to the village of Beadnell. (Grade: easy. 9 miles/14.6 km; option to take a bus to Beadnell after 5 miles).
Tuesday: Bewick Moor & Ancient Landscapes Today explore a different landscape of extensive moorland located between the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast. Enjoy one of the best preserved prehistoric landscapes in the UK. Here you'll find Bronze Age and Iron Age hill forts, ruined and romantic farmsteads, a hidden cave, and cup-and-ring-marked rocks. This walk is renowned for its historic landscape, wonderful views of the Cheviot Hills and an abundance of wild flowers. Picnic lunch today. (Grade: moderately easy undulating walking. 9 miles/14.4 km)
Wednesday: Free Day Today just take it easy and enjoy Bamburgh itself, visit the castle or take a bus to Seahouses to enjoy the harbour, the smokehouse, pubs and back streets. You could visit the Grace Darling Museum and the church. Or you could visit Alnwick is an attractive market town, also accessible by bus, with a castle used in Harry Potter films,and the spectacular Alnwick gardens created at a cost of £45 million! Or, if you would like to revisit Lindisfarne, this can be arranged.
Thursday: Eyemouth to St Abbs Head on the Berwickshire Coast A coastal walk along Scotland’s highest sea cliffs. Here enjoy spectacular scenery and amazing geological features. Lunch at Eyemouth, a busy fishing port with a museum, Guns Green house and harbour. On to the villages of Coldingham and St Abbs' National Nature Reserve, home to a rare butterfly. In May and June the cliffs are crammed with nesting seabirds and wild flowers. Finish at St Abbs to explore the Visitor Centres and the Old School which tells the the story of St Ebba. Or visit the harbour, cafes and art galleries. (Grade: mostly easy apart from St Ebb's Head which can be omitted. 10.25 miles/16.5 km; with a good bus service, there are opportunities to opt out on the way.)
Friday: The Farn Islands and the Bamburgh Coast The day begins with a walk along the beach to Seahouses where a catamaran whisks you to the Farne Islands, just off the Northumberland Coast. The island is home to seabirds, seals and some wonderful coastal scenery. On Inner Farne you get close to puffins, guillemots and a whole lot more - and you may well see dolphins. You’ll be in the hands of a knowledgeable skipper who is skilled at getting you close to the birds. Picnic lunch on Inner Farne before sailing back to Seahouses, F. (Grade: easy. 6 miles/10 km. For anyone wishing to omit the boat trip, there are a number of attractions in Seahouses to enjoyably occupy your morning - see Wednesday’s itinerary). Please note that the boat trip is dependent on prevailing sea conditions.