Walk this way: Alnmouth

Look out for puffins and terns on this gentle, circular stroll around the Northumberland coastline

Why go? Northeast England is famous for its spectacular beaches and wildlife, and the Northumbrian town of Alnmouth lies on a small section of the North Sea Trail. This walk leads you through the varying landscape of the coastline and inland through pretty, historic villages.

 

The route: From the car park at the beach end of the Wynd at Alnmouth, walk through the golf course. Continue straight ahead until the path divides. Bear left to reach a T-junction. Turn left, cross the road and climb a stile. Climb hill ahead until you reach a stile by a gate. Join riverbank path until you reach a bridge. Do not cross; turn left along road, through Lesbury. At the River Aln, cross the bridge, then cross the A1068 and turn left along the road until you reach Hipsburn. Turn right down Curly Lane. Go through gates, cross a field and join track below the railway bridge. Continue until you reach Wooden Farm . Turn left over level crossing. Take the lane opposite and turn immediately left until you reach the B1338. Turn right over Duchess Bridge until you reach Alnmouth .

 

How long will it take? Allow two-and-a-half hours to complete this relaxed six-mile trail. 

 

Stamina required? Generally suitable for all abilities, including children, the route takes in hills and flatlands using roads and footpaths.

 

Refuelling options: In Alnmouth, The Saddle Hotel & Grill (01665 830476, www.saddlehotelandgrill.co.uk) is a good place to start or finish the walk, serving home-cooked food. Or try The Red Lion (01665 830584, www.redlionalnmouth.com), an idyllic country pub with a seasonal, locally sourced menu. 

 

What else is there to see? In Lesbury, take a look at the Norman St Mary's Church and surrounding buildings. Also visit the famous Ferryman's Hut on Riverside Road in Alnmouth - claimed to be the smallest museum in the UK.

 

Wildlife highlights: Terns and puffins can be seen on Alnmouth's beaches. To the north is Coquet Island, the largest protected seabird sanctuary in the British Isles. It's one of the Farne Islands, where a large colony of grey seals lives.

 

And for the kids? Pease's Park in Alnmouth has a play area. And in the town of Amble, there are ‘Puffin Cruises' around the Farne Islands by Dave Gray Boat Trips (01665 712313).

 

Where to stay: See if the Schooner Hotel (01665 830750, www.theschoonerhotel.co.uk) lives up to its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the North East.

 

Don't miss... Rothbury Traditional Music Festival is on 10-12 July (www.rothbury-traditional-music.co.uk), showcasing Northumbrian pipes, clog dancing and children's dance workshops.

 

Getting there: Trains run from Newcastle to Alnmouth. Bus routes 518, 505 and 501 go from Alnwick to Alnmouth.

 

OS maps: Explorer 332 Alnwick & Amble, Craster & Whittingham; Landranger 91 Alnwick & Morpeth. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

 

For more information: Alnwick TIC, 2 The Shambles, Alnwick (01665 511333). Amble TIC, Queen Street Car Park, Amble (01665 712313); visitnorthumberland.com.

 

Walk devised by Jon Monks, Shepherds Walks (www.shepherdswalks.co.uk).

 

 

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