We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
27 Dec - 30 Dec 2026
3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£669
ppMembers
£639
pp£699
pp£669
ppWe have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Northumberland
■ Duration: 3 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Type: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Dec 2026, Dec 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Walking Grades: 4, 5 & 6 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 87kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£669
ppMembers From
£639
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 4
The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 5
Some walking experience needed. Full day walks which may include some short but steep ascents and descents throughout the day, and varied terrain. Regular stops. Typically, 8-9 miles (13-15km) with around 1,300ft (400m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 6
Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.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.
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[title] => Christmas Arrival Day
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[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Along the Northumberland Coast
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[title] => Dunstanburgh Castle
[content] => Distance: 11 miles (17½km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
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.
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[title] => Howick to Alnmouth
[content] => Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 375 feet (110m)
In summary: Head south along this picturesque stretch of coastline from Howick to the old smugglers haunt of Boulmer then onwards to Alnmouth. Walk on the low cliffs and the beach, with fantastic sea views throughout.
Highlight: Explore the narrow channel of Mar Mouth between the rocks of Boulmer Haven and the smugglers past history which has marked the landscape in this gentle walk back to Alnmouth.
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[title] => Craster to Alnmouth
[content] => 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.
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Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 375 feet (110m)
In summary: Head south along this picturesque stretch of coastline from Howick to the old smugglers haunt of Boulmer then onwards to Alnmouth. Walk on the low cliffs and the beach, with fantastic sea views throughout.
Highlight: Explore the narrow channel of Mar Mouth between the rocks of Boulmer Haven and the smugglers past history which has marked the landscape in this gentle walk back 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.
Distance: 11 miles (17½km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
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.
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[title] => Ingram Valley
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[title] => Powburn & the Breamish Valley
[content] => Distance: 3½ miles (6km)
Ascent: 320 feet (100m)
In summary: A delightful valley walk surrounded by rolling hills from the village of Powburn following the River Breamish to Ingram.
Highlight: Walking through an area rich in wildlife
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[title] => Wether Hill & Brough Law
[content] => Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Discover two of the dominant Iron Age hillforts in the Breamish Valley, Wether Hill and Brough Law. In the Spring, oystercatcher and sandpiper nest on the river gravel and higher up on the hillsides, lapwing and curlew, true moorland birds are a common sight and sound. Scottish black-faced and the local Cheviot sheep graze the pastures as they have done for centuries.
Highlight: Great vantage points for views of the surrounding area.
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[title] => The Breamish Valley
[content] => Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1450 feet (450m)
In summary: The hillsides in the valley were terraced in the Bronze Age and the early occupants who lived here grew crops and raised livestock. Iron Age settlements and their circular hillforts can be found on both sides of the valley, reflecting a long history of occupation in this part of Northumberland.
Highlight: Discovering a prehistoric landscape.
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Distance: 3½ miles (6km)
Ascent: 320 feet (100m)
In summary: A delightful valley walk surrounded by rolling hills from the village of Powburn following the River Breamish to Ingram.
Highlight: Walking through an area rich in wildlife
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Discover two of the dominant Iron Age hillforts in the Breamish Valley, Wether Hill and Brough Law. In the Spring, oystercatcher and sandpiper nest on the river gravel and higher up on the hillsides, lapwing and curlew, true moorland birds are a common sight and sound. Scottish black-faced and the local Cheviot sheep graze the pastures as they have done for centuries.
Highlight: Great vantage points for views of the surrounding area.
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1450 feet (450m)
In summary: The hillsides in the valley were terraced in the Bronze Age and the early occupants who lived here grew crops and raised livestock. Iron Age settlements and their circular hillforts can be found on both sides of the valley, reflecting a long history of occupation in this part of Northumberland.
Highlight: Discovering a prehistoric landscape.
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[title] => Departure Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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 | ![]() |
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
Nether Grange
Alnmouth
Alnwick
Northumberland NE66 2RZ
Tel: +44 (0)1665 830431
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
Enjoy plenty of opportunity to join in the festive fun and games in the evenings on our Festive holidays.
A packed programme of evenings offers something festive for everyone, including some old HF Holidays’ favourites. It’s also a great time to kick back and relax, and the evenings on these Festive breaks will give you the chance to do just that.
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 moreCode: ALN03-XFW03
Dates & availability
3 Night Northumberland Festive Guided Walking Holiday
3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£669
ppMembers
£639
pp£699
pp£669
pp3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£669
ppMembers
£639
pp£699
pp£669
pp
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.

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.

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 and self-guided bookings).

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

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

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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