WWhether you’re drawn to the echoes of Viking conquests, the serenity of ancient holy sites, or the dramatic beauty of the Northumbrian coastline, this walking vacation offers an unparalleled adventure for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Step into the ancient and untamed beauty of Northumbria, England’s most northerly county. Here history, nature, and legend intertwine. This captivating walking adventure takes you through England’s far north and across the border into Scotland, revealing a rich tapestry of Viking lore, medieval castles, and early Christian heritage.
We journey through time and landscape as we discover the dramatic silhouettes of castle ruins that punctuate a rugged and beautiful coastline. Each echoes the stories of lords, invaders, and centuries of struggle. Traverse the breathtaking coastal paths and moorlands, and sail to an island nature sanctuary teeming with seabirds and seals. This region is where TV’s beloved detective Vera pounds her beat.
Follow the ancient 1,400-year-old Pilgrim’s Way to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the birthplace of the famed illustrated gospels honoring St Cuthbert. This sacred isle, steeped in history and spirituality, offers a serene and otherworldly experience.
Delve into the fascinating history of the powerful Percy family at the majestic Alnwick Castle, famed for its appearances in ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey.’ Marvel at the grandeur of this still-inhabited fortress and its beautifully landscaped gardens.
In springtime, set sail for the Farne Islands, where seals bask on the rocks and puffins nest in the cliffs. The islands are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Meet at Alnmouth Railway Station for a short transfer to our boutique hotel in the nearby County town of Alnwick. There is time to relax before our Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner.
Alnwick, Cookie Jar
A short transfer to Rothbury, a bustling market town on the River Coquet. Our staging point for an all day circular walk. We walk through open moorland in the foothills of the Sacred Mountain of Simonside. We are likely to see curlew or red grouse hiding in the heather. En route we enjoy a pub lunch and visit Cragside House, a stately home originally the home of the 1st Baron Armstrong. We return to Alnwick with the opportunity of experiencing traditional Northumbrian music and dancing, concluding the day with Dinner at our Hotel.
Alnwick, Cookie Jar
This morning we visit Alnwick Castle a popular destination and frequent on-location movie set (‘Harry Potter’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Star Trek’, ‘Robin Hood’), has been the home of the Percy family for over 700 years. In that time, the castle and the family have had a leading role in Northumbrian history, and there is much to explore. Lunch is provided in the Castle’s unique Tree House Restaurant. A short transfer takes us to Craster for a coastal walk to the unique Ship Inn at Low Newton. Heading north passing Beadnell Bay while keeping an eye out for Little Terns as well as the largest mainland colony of Artic Tern in the UK. We conclude the day continuing on to our hotel in the seaside village of Beadnell.
Beadnell, Beadnell Towers
We walk from our hotel to Seahouses Harbour for morning boat trip taking us, if conditions are fair, to either Inner Farne or the Longstone Island Lighthouse with the possibility of spotting seals, puffins and many other seabirds on the way. Lunch will be taken in the famous Olde Ship Inn which has been serving guests since 1812. We continue our day exploring Budle Bay Nature Reserve and a coastal walk to Bamburgh paying a visit to the Grace Darling Lifeboat Museum, before returning to our hotel.
Beadnell, Beadnell Towers
Today we visit The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. If the tides are in our favour, we drive across the Pilgrim causeway to walk the whole island. With records kept from the 6th Century, the island is steeped in the religious history of the Northumbrian Saints and the first Viking raids on English soil. We also visit the fortified border town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed for a gentle riverside walk beside the mighty River Tweed followed by a guided tour of the fortified walls of the town which has changed hands 13 times over the centuries between the English and the Scots. Tide times dictate whether we visit the island in the morning or afternoon. We end the day by crossing from England to Scotland taking us to our final hotel.
Near Duns, Chirnside Hall Hotel
A coastal walk takes us to Eyemouth where the River Eye meets the sea. We have lunch at the local Golf Club with panoramic views overlooking the sea. We take a fast boat from Eyemouth Harbour to nearby St Abbs. Seawaters here are renowned for their clarity and a favorite spot for scuba divers. St Abbs, also a filming location for the 2019 ‘Avengers’ movie. We walk to the nearby seabird sanctuary with thousands of seabirds on view.
Returning to St Abbs we continue the coastal walk with interesting rock formations and fine sea views to Coldingham Bay before a transfer back to our hotel for our Farewell Dinner.
Near Duns, Chirnside Hall Hotel>
After breakfast, a 10 minute transfer for Berwick Railway Station for frequent trains north to Edinburgh and South to Newcastle and London.
The guides Victoria and Duncan were perfect. I loved the walks and scenery along the coast. The guide at Alnwick Castle was very entertaining.