3-Night Northumberland Guided Walking for Solos Holiday
Country walking is a great way to meet new friends. We welcome individual travellers on all of our holidays, but on Guided Walking for Solos the entire holiday is especially for single guests. Enjoy like-minded company and a great selection of walks on the Northumberland Coast. Discover stunning beaches, iconic castles, and the peaceful Simonside and Cheviot Hills.
Holiday Highlights
- Discover the Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its medieval priory and rich wildlife
- Walk along the beautiful Bamburgh coast
- Follow St Cuthbert’s Way to the edge of the Cheviot Hills
- Get to know other solo travellers as you walk and socialise in the evenings
What’s included
- High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- 2 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
- Any transport to and from the walks
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.
You're welcome to check-in to your room from 2:30 p.m. onwards (upgraded rooms from 1 p.m.) Please join us for afternoon tea.
Option 1 - Lindisfarne & Bamburgh
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: minimal
In Summary: Today is split into two, the order of which depends on the tides. Discover the Holy Island of Lindisfarne where our walk takes in a romantic castle, medieval priory, rich wildlife and many wonderful views. The other half of the day is spent exploring the wilder side of the Bamburgh Coast.
Highlight: Crossing the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne to discover this jewel of the Northumberland Coast and its fascinating early Christian history.
Option 2 - Bamburgh coast
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.
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.
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 Good and Better Rooms to choose from.
All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 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. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Nether Grange is hearty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the light-filled dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of local flavours.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationWhat to Bring
Essential Equipment
To enjoy walking/hiking comfortably and safely, footwear, clothing and equipment needs to be suitable for the conditions. Safety is our priority and Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
- Footwear with a good grip on the sole (e.g.Vibram sole) is the key to avoiding accidents
- Walking/hiking boots providing ankle support and good grip are recommended (ideally worn in), and specialist walking socks to avoid blisters
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed, are better than a single layer (include spares)
- Fabrics (lightweight and fast drying) designed for the outdoors are recommended
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof over trousers
- Warm hat and gloves. Gaiters are an optional but useful extra
- Denim jeans and capes are not suitable on any walks
- 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: £10 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||||
28 Aug - 31 Aug | 3 | 2019 Itinerary | £405 £390 | Save £15 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |