3 Night Northumberland Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Nether Grange

3 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Oct 2026, Apr-Oct 2027

2 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 1 & 2 details

114kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£589

pp

Members From

£559

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
A land of rugged beauty, Northumberland rewards with marshes, meadows, sweeping beaches, wide-open spaces, and all manner of Roman, Viking and Anglo-Saxon relics. Perfect for discovering the county’s charms at a more relaxed pace, this holiday rewards with breathtaking trails, big-name historic attractions, picturesque villages, market towns, comfortable accommodation, and more. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, including a gentle walk of three to four miles.

Accommodation

HF Country House
You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.
10673_0024 - Nether Grange - Chess

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded Activity Level 1, 2 and 3.

Our best-selling guided walking holidays run throughout the year - with their daily choice of up to three walks, these breaks are ideal for anyone who enjoys exploring the countryside on foot. Perhaps choose an Easier walk, then build up to something more challenging as your holiday progresses.


What You’ll Love

  • Discovering the stunning landscape of Northumberland on foot   
  • Keeping your eyes peeled for interesting wildlife    
  • Soaking up dramatic views of the countryside and National Landscape coastline 
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors   
  • Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader   
  • Staying at a former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth 

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - The Coquet Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,100 feet (350m)

In summary: From Rothbury main car park the walk ascends to reach the Hamlet of Whitton and then continues below the Simonside hills to visit the hamlet of Great Tosson. After descending and crossing the Coquet Valley there is an ascent up to Rothbury Terraces before returning to Rothbury. 

Highlight: Views of the Coquet Valley from both sides and the hamlet of Great Tosson with its mediaeval remains and nearby Lime Kiln. 

Option 2 - Coquet Valley and Riverside

Distance : 5.5 miles (9 km)

Total Ascent: 550 feet (170 m)

In Summary:  A circular route starting in the pretty market town of Rothbury. We head out past the Iron Age hill fort of West Hills. Little evidence of the fort remains, but the location affords lovely views of the Coquet valley. From there we descend into the village of Thorpton, where we cross the River Coquet to reach Tosson Lime Kiln. We continue along the valley bottom with views of Simonside above us and the Rothbury Terraces opposite, before crossing back over the river to reach Rothbury once more.

Highlight:  the Coquet valley offers a great diversity of birdlife - see what you can spot enroute.

Option 3 - Thropton to Rothbury

Distance : 3.7 miles (6 km)

Total Ascent: 240 feet (75 m)

In Summary:  We leave the village of Thropton, cross the River Coquet and fields of the Coquet Valley to reach Tosson Lime Kiln. We continue along the valley bottom with views of Simonside above us and the Rothbury Terraces opposite, crossing back over the river to reach the quiet town of Rothbury

Highlight:  Views of the Coquet Valley, the surrounding hills and the peacefulness of the countryside setting.

Option 1 - High Newton to Craster

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km) 

Ascent: 290 feet (90m) 

In summary: Walk from High Newton via Embleton Bay to the iconic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then follow the path along the beautiful Northumberland Coast to to the pretty fishing village of Craster

Highlight: Dunstanburgh Castle occupies a glorious cliff-top position. Look out for fulmars, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting nearby.

Option 2 - Beadnell to Craster

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 350 feet (120m) 

In summary: Starting further north at Beadnell this grand coastal walk takes in the sweeping arcs of Beadnell and Embleton Bays, the pretty National Trust village Low Newton-by-the-Sea and atmospheric Dunstanburgh Castle before finishing in Craster.   

Highlight: A glorious opportunity to see the best of the Northumberland Coast. With luck you may see seals, as well as the rich array of birdlife.

Option 3 - Craster and Dunstanburgh

Distance : 3 miles (4.5 km)

Total Ascent: 130 feet (40m)

In Summary: Explore the picturesque village of Craster, before enjoying an out and
back walk to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on a remote
headland. The route was recently voted the most impressive in the UK.
We haven’t included the entrance fees for the castle as many of you are already
English Heritage members – please bring your membership card with you for free
access to the castle. For anyone not an English Heritage member, entrance will be
payable locally. If you don’t wish to visit the castle, bring your binoculars and enjoy
time watching the birdlife as others explore.
We return to Alnmouth where you’re free to spend the afternoon exploring
independently or relaxing at Nether Grange. Alternatively, our coach can drop you at
Howick Hall & Gardens (entrance payable locally) – the ancestral home of Earl Grey, where
there’s beautiful gardens and an arboretum to explore. There’s also a café where
there’s a good chance of spotting red squirrels on their feeders outside. The coach
will then return for you later in the day

Highlight: Snapping shots of Dunstanburgh Castle perched on the headland.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Itinerary 2026

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Ramble to Alnwick

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) 

Ascent: 540 feet (165m)

In summary: Starting from Denwick this walk passes through the Northumberland Estates belonging to the Dukes of Northumberland.  There are varying landscapes from the Pastures below the Castle, the Deer Park to moorland west of the town.

Highlight: This walk shows the different aspects of Alnwick including views of the Castle from the Pastures, Alnwick Abbey in Hulne Park, Alnwick Moor and the town itself.

Option 2 - Along the Aln to Alnwick

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (185m)

In summary: Starting from Nether Grange House this walk skirts the River Aln salt marsh teeming with wildlife, then passes through historic Lesbury to follow the Aln through the Northumberland Estates to reach Alnwick.

Highlight: The spectacular view of Alnwick Castle from The Pastures in the Northumberland Estate before reaching the iconic Lion Bridge

Option 3 - Alnwick

Distance : 3 miles (5 km)

Total Ascent: 285 feet (85 m)

In Summary: This walk begins at Alnwick Gardens with the unique Treehouse
Restaurant visible through the trees. We’ll descend to the Denwick Bridge and walk
over pastures, accompanied by iconic views of Alnwick Castle. We visit the entrance
to Hulne Park and then pass through Pottergate, past the statue of Harry Hotspur to
reach Alnwick Market place. We’ll finish the walk by heading through Bondgate back
to Alnwick Gardens.

Highlight: Fabulous views of Alnwick Castle and the chance to enter and leave the
town through the old town gates.

Option 1 - High Newton to Craster

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km) 

Ascent: 290 feet (90m) 

In summary: Walk from High Newton via Embleton Bay to the iconic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then follow the path along the beautiful Northumberland Coast to to the pretty fishing village of Craster

Highlight: Dunstanburgh Castle occupies a glorious cliff-top position. Look out for fulmars, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting nearby.

Option 2 - Beadnell to Craster

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 350 feet (120m) 

In summary: Starting further north at Beadnell this grand coastal walk takes in the sweeping arcs of Beadnell and Embleton Bays, the pretty National Trust village Low Newton-by-the-Sea and atmospheric Dunstanburgh Castle before finishing in Craster.   

Highlight: A glorious opportunity to see the best of the Northumberland Coast. With luck you may see seals, as well as the rich array of birdlife.

Option 3 - Craster and Dunstanburgh

Distance : 3 miles (4.5 km)

Total Ascent: 130 feet (40m)

In Summary: Explore the picturesque village of Craster, before enjoying an out and
back walk to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on a remote
headland. The route was recently voted the most impressive in the UK.
We haven’t included the entrance fees for the castle as many of you are already
English Heritage members – please bring your membership card with you for free
access to the castle. For anyone not an English Heritage member, entrance will be
payable locally. If you don’t wish to visit the castle, bring your binoculars and enjoy
time watching the birdlife as others explore.
We return to Alnmouth where you’re free to spend the afternoon exploring
independently or relaxing at Nether Grange. Alternatively, our coach can drop you at
Howick Hall & Gardens (entrance payable locally) – the ancestral home of Earl Grey, where
there’s beautiful gardens and an arboretum to explore. There’s also a café where
there’s a good chance of spotting red squirrels on their feeders outside. The coach
will then return for you later in the day

Highlight: Snapping shots of Dunstanburgh Castle perched on the headland.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

Nether Grange

You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

•  34 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 48 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounge  •  Garden  •  Outdoor chess set Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Nether Grange has 36 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

Room supplements

Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange

Getting here

Address 

Nether Grange
Alnmouth
Alnwick
Northumberland NE66 2RZ

Tel: +44 (0)1665 830431

By train

The nearest station is Alnmouth, on the main east coast line between Newcastle and Edinburgh.  

The station is 1.3miles from Nether Grange. Approximately 30minutes walk, with footpath all the way.

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

The 1.5-mile journey from Alnmouth railway station to Nether Grange is about five minutes by taxi. Taxis are in limited supply in Alnmouth, so we recommend pre-booking as early as possible.

For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.

Taxi companies in the area include:

Sovereign Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)7553 360662

Wizard Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 663709

AA Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 606060

Some taxi companies have school runs so taxis may be in short supply between 9:00am and 10:00am. It is advisable to book your return taxi when you book your arrival taxi.

*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.

By car

Before travelling by car, note that there is no car park at Nether Grange and there’s very limited on-street parking.

Exit the A1 onto the A1068 towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (it’s not well signposted), following the A1068 towards Alnmouth. Go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338.

As you approach Alnmouth, turn right at the next roundabout, then left into The Wynd. Follow to Marine Road, turn right onto Riverside Rd which joins to Northumberland Street. After 100 yards on Northumberland St, turn right into Pease’s Lane. You’ll find Nether Grange on the left.

By air

The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport. Take the metro to Newcastle Central station, then the train to Alnmouth - a straightforward journey taking just over an hour. 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 114kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: ALN03-BEW01

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Dates & availability

3 Night Northumberland Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

16 Oct - 19 Oct 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£589

pp

Members

£559

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2027

9 Apr - 12 Apr 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£589

pp

Members

£559

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£619

pp

£589

pp

7 May - 10 May 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£629

pp

Members

£599

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£689

pp

£659

pp

2 Jul - 5 Jul 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£609

pp

Members

£579

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£639

pp

£609

pp

15 Oct - 18 Oct 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£589

pp

Members

£559

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£619

pp

£589

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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