4-Night Northumberland Guided Walking Holiday
Discover England’s last frontier, home to castles, never-ending seascapes and tales of border battles. Our 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 Cheviot and 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
- Head into the Cheviots to discover what makes this area so special, from the solitude of the hills to the clarity of the night sky
- 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 in our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- 3 days guided walking
- Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
- Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
- 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 - St Cuthbert's Way
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Follow the St Cuthbert’s Way, onto the northern edge of the Cheviot Hills. Pass Tom Tallon’s Crag, with fine views into Scotland, and then descend to the little market town of Wooler.
Highlight: An opportunity to get away from it all and appreciate these tranquil landscapes.
Option 2 - Carey Burn
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: A rambling walk to Wooler through the lower slopes of the Cheviots. Our walk takes in the peaceful valley of Carey Burn and the historic battle site of Humbleton Hill.
Highlight: Look out for the distinctive white-breasted Dippers feeding in the clear waters of Carey Burn.
Option 3 - Yeavering Bell
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In Summary: Head deeper into the Cheviots, including a fairly steep ascent onto Yeavering Bell. Our return route crosses the moor, then descends along the St Cuthbert's Way to Wooler.
Highlight: The view from the top of Yeavering Bell is one of the finest in the whole of the Cheviots.
Option 1 - 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 2 - 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.
Option 3 - Coast, Railway and River
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In summary: This walk gives the visitor a chance to see traditional villages and hamlets of Northumberland and learn about life in this area at various times in the past. The trail passes through green countryside with river, inland and coastal views. The Shilbottle miners’ route to the sea also forms part of this walk. The Hamlet of High Buston is visited along with the villages of Alnmouth, Lesbury and the route passes by the village of Shilbottle with substantial medieval and industrial records.
Highlight: Countryside walking steeped in history with inland and coastal views.
Option 1 - Beadnell to Bamburgh
Distance: 7 miles (11½km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In Summary: Enjoy an iconic beach walk from Beadnell to Seahouses with time to look at the harbour then it’s on to Bamburgh and its castle.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals flying and bobbing about amongst the waves on this excellent coastal walk.
Option 2 - High Newton to Bamburgh
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In Summary: Follow the beautiful coast from High Newton along the sands to Beadnell’s old harbour. Pass the busy port of Seahouses, with excellent views of the Farne Islands, before continuing on the beach to Bamburgh.
Highlight: The final leg along the sands to Bamburgh, with great views of the imposing castle that was once the seat of early Northumbrian Kings.
Option 3 - Embleton to Bamburgh
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In Summary: A fantastic longer walk from Embleton to Bamburgh with great views of castles and islands on distant horizons. Wide sandy bays, nature and history combine on this a remarkable walk along the Northumberland Coast.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals, and the rich array of other wildlife that makes its home in this glorious coastal habitat.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
These walks are subject to the tide so may be walked in reverse
Option 1 - 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 2 - Dunstanburgh Castle
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
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: Dunstanburgh Castle occupies a glorious cliff-top position. Look out for fulmars, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting nearby.
*due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide
Option 3 - High Newton to Alnmouth
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In Summary: Starting further north at High Newton this grand coastal walk takes in the sweeping arc of Embleton Bay, Dunstanburgh Castle and Craster, before continuing to Alnmouth.*
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.
*due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide
Option 1 - St Cuthbert's Way
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Follow the St Cuthbert’s Way, onto the northern edge of the Cheviot Hills. Pass Tom Tallon’s Crag, with fine views into Scotland, and then descend to the little market town of Wooler.
Highlight: An opportunity to get away from it all and appreciate these tranquil landscapes.
Option 2 - Carey Burn
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: A rambling walk to Wooler through the lower slopes of the Cheviots. Our walk takes in the peaceful valley of Carey Burn and the historic battle site of Humbleton Hill.
Highlight: Look out for the distinctive white-breasted Dippers feeding in the clear waters of Carey Burn.
Option 3 - Yeavering Bell
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In Summary: Head deeper into the Cheviots, including a fairly steep ascent onto Yeavering Bell. Our return route crosses the moor, then descends along the St Cuthbert's Way to Wooler.
Highlight: The view from the top of Yeavering Bell is one of the finest in the whole of the Cheviots.
Option 1 - Beadnell to Bamburgh
Distance: 7 miles (11½km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In Summary: Enjoy an iconic beach walk from Beadnell to Seahouses with time to look at the harbour then it’s on to Bamburgh and its castle.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals flying and bobbing about amongst the waves on this excellent coastal walk.
Option 2 - High Newton to Bamburgh
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In Summary: Follow the beautiful coast from High Newton along the sands to Beadnell’s old harbour. Pass the busy port of Seahouses, with excellent views of the Farne Islands, before continuing on the beach to Bamburgh.
Highlight: The final leg along the sands to Bamburgh, with great views of the imposing castle that was once the seat of early Northumbrian Kings.
Option 3 - Embleton to Bamburgh
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In Summary: A fantastic longer walk from Embleton to Bamburgh with great views of castles and islands on distant horizons. Wide sandy bays, nature and history combine on this a remarkable walk along the Northumberland Coast.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals, and the rich array of other wildlife that makes its home in this glorious coastal habitat.
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
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
- Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
- A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.
Recommended
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
- Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
- Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)
You might also want
- Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
- Insect repellent
- Flask for hot drinks
- Rigid lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
- Waterproof rucksack liner
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 | |||||||
|
01 Aug -
05 Aug 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £609 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
08 Aug -
12 Aug 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £609 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
29 Aug -
02 Sep 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £609 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
17 Oct -
21 Oct 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £575 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
24 Oct -
28 Oct 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £575 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
21 Nov -
25 Nov 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £495 £435 | Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
4 nights from £495pp £435pp
Save up to £60 per person
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here