Northumberland's coast is famous for its wild, unspoilt beauty with long beaches of golden sand, quaint little fishing villages, spectacular castles perched on rocky headlands and abundant birdlife. Constantly fought over by the English and the Scots, Berwick-upon-Tweed changed hands no less than 14 times in 300 years - the massive curtain walls and gateways encircling the town are unique in Britain and are amongst the finest ramparts in Europe. From Berwick the trail meanders along beaches of golden sand to the tidal causeway linking Holy Island with the mainland. From here there is a choice of routes onto the island to explore the village, priory and castle – over the causeway or barefoot across the sands on the Pilgrim's Way, marked by a line of barnacle-encrusted poles. Holy Island has an illustrious history. It was here that St. Aidan founded a monastery that became a major centre of Christianity, learning and artistry, as exemplified by the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The monastery had sixteen bishops in all, the most celebrated being St Cuthbert, who travelled widely spreading the Gospel. After his death the island became a place of pilgrimage, until the monks abandoned the island in fear of marauding Vikings. Lindisfarne Castle was built in the 16th century to defend the island from Scottish raiders. It was restored and converted into a fairytale castle by Sir Edward Lutyens in 1903, with a charming walled garden planned by Gertrude Jekyll.

From Holy Island, the trail follows paths through field and forest to St Cuthbert’s Cave, found on a low ridge that provides glorious views of the coast.   After exploring the cave, where the monks of Lindisfarne spent their first night after fleeing the Vikings, the trail descends through Belford to rejoin the coast at Bamburgh, a pretty village dominated by its vast castle dramatically poised on a huge crag rising out of the sea.   The castle ramparts provide breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and along the miles of golden sand that lead to the spectacular ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle and the attractive fishing village of Craster.   From Craster, the trail continues through the picturesque village of Alnmouth to the historic town of Warkworth, with its impressive castle and medieval fortified bridge. 

The causeway on to Holy Island can only be crossed during low tide.   Please contact us to check the crossing times before booking.