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 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.
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 - Wether Hill & Brough Law
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (330m)
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.
Option 2 - On the Edge of Northumberland National Park
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1230 feet (370m)
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.
Option 3 - Hill Forts & High Hills on the Egde of Northumberland National Park
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)
In Summary: Walk through the historic landscape of the Ingram Valley, with great views of the River Breamish and pre-historic forts. Head to the Old Fawdon Hill trig point with 360° views , including the eastern boundary of Northumberland National Park.
Highlight: Walking through an historic landscape.
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