3-Night Northumberland Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
Discover England’s last frontier, home to castles, never-ending seascapes and tales of border battles. Our gentle guided walking holidays in Northumberland will introduce you to the hidden gems of this unspoilt county, including sweeping sandy beaches and the remote wild beauty of the Simonside Hills.
Holiday Highlights
- Head out on guided walks to discover the varied beauty of Northumberland on foot
- Admire sweeping seascapes from the coast of this stunning area of outstanding natural beauty
- Let an experienced leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life
- Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about this stretch of the North East coast's rich history
- Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures
What’s included
- High quality en-suite accommodation at our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- Two full days of guided walking
- Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
- Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
- The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders
Trip Notes
Trip notes are detailed, downloadable PDF’s for each holiday, please click the button below to find the right trip notes for your departure date.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Boulmer to Alnmouth
Distance: 3½ miles (5km)
Ascent: 180 feet (60m)
In Summary: Head south along this picturesque stretch of coastline from the old smugglers haunt of Boulmer to Alnmouth.* Walk on the low cliffs and the beach, with fantastic sea views throughout.
Highlight: Cross the Boulmer beach at low tide and you'll be able to see the narrow channel of Mar Mouth between the rocks of Boulmer Haven which made it the perfect landing for smugglers in centuries past.
*due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide
Option 2 - Craster to Alnmouth
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In Summary: Walk south along the coast from the quaint fishing village of Craster to Alnmouth.* Walk on the low cliffs and the beach, with fantastic sea views throughout.
Highlight: Explore the atmospheric harbour at Craster, and let your nose lead you to famous kipper smokehouse.
*due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide
Option 3 - Dunstanburgh Castle
In Summary: Walk from Embleton to the iconic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then follow the path all the way back along the beautiful Northumberland Coast to Alnmouth.
Highlight: Imagine yourself as a knight of the realm storming the crumbling remains of Dunstanburgh Castle on the headland at Castle Point.
Distance: 11 miles (17½km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Option 1 - Along the Aln
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Today's walk follows quiet countryside paths to meet the river Aln. We will continue along the riverside before turning inland with Views to the coast. Our route then takes us back to the house via Alnmouth.
Highlight: Stunning views out to sea.
Option 2 - Spy Law, Riverside and Countryside
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 560 feet (180m)
In summary: After leaving Alnmouth, meander alongside the River Aln and gently ascend to Spy Law with views on all sides of the countryside. The walk continues moving seawards displaying the Northumberland coast in front of you before returning through colourful cereal fields overlooking the Aln estuary and the once port of Alnmouth towards to sea.
Highlight: A chance to appreciate the variety of scenery that Northumberland has to offer.
Option 3 - To High Buston Hamlet
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Walk around the historic village of Alnmouth and then visit the picturesque village of Lesbury before meandering alongside the River Aln. The walk gives views of countryside and coast, and passes through the Hamlet of High Buston. Learn of the links of the Buston family to King John in 1209 and the traditional “dunking” of the local freemens’ sons. The route returns through undulating countryside culminating in a sight of Alnmouth with colourful houses overlooking the estuary and the sea.
Highlight: An appreciation of how the land and seascape framed local life through the centuries.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nether Grange
Sitting pretty in the centre of the quiet harbour village of Alnmouth, Nether Grange stands in an area rich in natural beauty and historic gravitas. There are moving views of the dramatic North Sea coastline from the house too. This one-time 18th century granary was first converted into a large family home for the High Sheriff of Northumberland in the 19th century and then reimagined as a characterful hikers’ hotel. Many of the 36 bedrooms look out across the sea, while a large lounge, conservatory and adjoining bar are there to entertain you. Easily accessible from the house are the coast path while inland lies the Northumberland National Park. North are the Farne Islands and their spectacular seabird colonies and close by is Lindisfarne and its romantic castle accessible at low-tide via an ancient pilgrim’s path. Nearby too is the medieval market town of Alnwick and its eponymous castle, as well as the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on a grassy peninsula to the south of Embbelton Bay. Best of all though is Bamburgh Castle, built to resemble a magnificent medieval fortress but actually an impressive Victorian folly.
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the house’s smartly presented rooms up an impressive sweeping staircase. Full of warm tones or coastal colours and comfy touches they’re a great base for exploring the area. With 36 bedrooms, Nether Grange has plenty of space and there’s a range of Classic and Premium Rooms to choose from.
All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger television – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-25 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, multi-purpose activity room, lounges, library and board games to borrow
After a day walking on the coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the elevated terrace gardens with a cooling drink and a cracking sea view or challenge a fellow guest to a game of croquet or giant chess, backed by views of the beach and sea beyond. The spick and span sky-blue painted bar with its mismatched blue and stripy seats boasts all the requisite cosiness and British bonhomie, plus a selection of local beers and your favourite tipple. Settle in.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Food at Nether Grange is varied with a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal British produce. Our experienced chefs create each dish using only the freshest ingredients and, when in season, use home grown herbs and vegetables taken from our own gardens to give a true taste of the local area.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential Information
Essential Equipment
- Rucksack with a waterproof liner
- Thermos flask for hot drink
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
- Spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar
- Small torch
- First aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed)
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents
- Insect repellent
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Camera
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | |||||||
|
28 Oct -
31 Oct 2022
|
3 | Version 1 | £389 £369 | Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |