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Total Distance: 59 miles (94.5 km)
Duration: 6 nights, 5 walking days
Minimum/maximum daily distances: 10 miles (16 km)/13 miles (21 km)
Waymarking: The route is extensively waymarked and is very easy to follow
Season: All year
Starting point of holiday: Berwick-upon-Tweed
End of holiday: Warkworth
Tour code: NCCT1
Day 1: Travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed
Day 2: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Holy Island 13 miles (21 km)
Day 3: Holy Island to Belford 13 miles (21 km)
Day 4: Belford to Seahouses 10 miles (16 km)
Day 5: Seahouses to Craster 10 ˝ miles (17 km)
Day 6: Craster to Warkworth 12 miles (19 km)
Day 7: Depart from Warkworth
There is plenty to see and do in Berwick-upon-Tweed. A walk around the ramparts offers a succession of fine views out to sea, across the River Tweed and over the red roofs of the town’s elegant Georgian mansions. Buildings of interest include the 18th century Town Hall, with its 150ft high steeple where the curfew bell is still rung each evening. The Town Hall still retains its original jailhouse now housing the Cell Block Museum. The Holy Trinity Church is one of a handful of churches built during the Commonwealth. The absence of a tower reflects Cromwell's view that towers were irreligious. The 18th century barracks house the Borough Museum and Art Gallery. Also of interest is the Wine and Spirit Museum that incorporates a Victorian Chemist Shop and pottery. Holy Island is a good choice for a rest day. In addition to the castle, priory and church, the Museum of Island Life that is housed in an 18th century fisherman's cottage is well worth a visit. At St Aidan's Winery you can sample the famous Lindisfarne Mead. Seahouses's greatest attraction is a boat trip to the Farne Islands. The Islands have a wild beauty and are the summer home of a wide variety of sea birds, especially puffins, guillemots, terns and kittiwakes. On Inner Farne you can visit the tiny 14th century chapel built in honour of St Cuthbert. Craster is another good choice for a rest day. It is a delightful little fishing village with a tiny harbour. Just south of the village is Howick Hall, built in 1782 and long associated with the Grey family, who have produced many famous figures, including Earl Grey the social reformer and tea enthusiast. The gardens are noted for their beauty. Warkworth is a delightful little village with some interesting shops in addition to a wonderful castle.
Detailed instructions on how to get to the start of the holiday and back from the end of it are sent to you on booking. A summary is given below.
Most convenient major city and International airports: (1) Newcastle or (2) Edinburgh.
(1) There are fast and frequent trains from Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The journey takes 45 minutes.
(2) There are fast and frequent trains from Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The journey takes 50 minutes.
Outward journey from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed: There are fast and frequent trains from London Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The journey takes 4 hours.
Return journey to London at the end of the holiday: Bus from Warkworth to Alnmouth railway station (approximately 20 minutes), then train to London Kings Cross (3 hours 45 minutes).
Travelling by car: Secure parking is available in Berwick-upon-Tweed. To return to your car at the end of the trail, either catch a bus from Warkworth to Berwick-upon-Tweed (1hr 30 minutes) or a train from Alnmouth (20 minutes).