Where to stay in...
The ancient fortified village of Warkworth has a long history, built on a rocky spur within a tight loop of the River Coquet, close to the river mouth.
The settlement is situated in a classic defensive position.
Anglo-Saxons who would have protected their settlement with a wooden stockade undoubtedly occupied the present site of the castle.
Four things stand out at Warkworth above all others, the Castle, the Norman bridge, the Church and the Hermitage.
Warkworth is one of the jewels in the Northumberland crown, a pretty village that is unspoilt by both modern development and tourism.
Dominated by the massive medieval keep, the view along Main Street is one of the finest in the country.
A stroll down the main street reveals interesting shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Its worth spending some time wandering along the quiet main street,
visiting some of the interesting craft shops and enjoying time spent in a café or pub.
Photo © Wendy North - CCL
The award winning beach is a good twenty minutes walk from the village centre, however the visitor can drive and there is a car park alongside the picnic area.
Cyclists can enjoy an easy 18 mile / 29 km day ride.
The route has no major climbs and is featured in the recently published 'Sustrans Cycle Northumberland' booklet.
Starting in the village, the route heads west inland on quiet lanes, and passes through Guyzance, Acklington and Broomhill.
Rejoining the coast at the vast expanse of Druridge Bay and returning north via the fishing port of Amble.
A shorter 11 mile / 17.7 km route is available should the rider feel this is more suitable.
The Hermitage is located half a mile upstream of the castle on the north bank of the river.
It can be reached by following a path along the south bank until you reach a boat landing, where a small boat can be hired to cross to the hermitage.
Hidden by trees and carved into the rock the hermitage includes a chapel, confessional and dormitory.
Photo © Hayley Green - CCL
Golfing enthusiasts have on offer an excellent nine hole links course,
which designed by 'old Tom Morris' and founded in 1891.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Warkworth Castle, Coquet Island and the Northumberland coastline.
The links fairways are on two levels and can provide a challenge and enjoyable competition.
Photo © Walter Baxter - CCL
The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 2 - Warkworth to Craster...
This second stage, being the longest at 13 miles / 20.4 km, starts at the historic village of Warkworth.
Firstly heading east to Birling Links, following spectacular golden sands, the route heads north to Buston Links, the estuary at Alnmouth Bay and to the pretty village of Alnmouth.
On departing
Alnmouth,
north, by the nine-hole Alnmouth Village Golf Club, the route passes to the left of Alnmouth Golf Club at Foxton Hall and on to Seton Point, before passing by the picturesque fishing village of
Boulmer
well-known for it's smuggling activities in the past and not forgetting the infamous Fishing Boat Inn, focal point of the village and further afield.
To the north of Boulmer this section arcs round and on to Sugar Sands, Rumbling Kern, the Bathing House, Cullernose Point and finally ending in the fishing village of Craster, famous for it's kippers and oak smoked salmon.
Photo © Andrew Curtis - CCL
Ordnance Survey Maps...
- Sheet 81 (Landranger) - Alnwick and Morpeth
- Sheet 332 (Explorer) – Alnwick and Amble
Ordnance Survey Online Map of Stage 2 available HERE
Official Guidebook for the Northumberland Coast Path...
The guidebook (ISBN 978 1 873402 23 6) costing in the region of £4,
is available from local Tourist Information Centres (TIC's),
Local Bookshops, or
Here.
Door to Door Baggage Transfer...
Baggage Transfer covering the entire route is available from Carry-Lite, details of this service can be found Here, or phone 01434 634 448 / 07976 356 459.
Holiday accommodation in Warkworth includes...
Hotel, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering.
Useful Links...
