The Vault Regulars

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Northumberland Coast Path Walk. My Thoughts

Epilogue.


The coast path is one of the most beautiful paths you could wish to walk. The beaches are some of the best you can find anywhere. It's not hilly like some of the routes on say the Pembrokeshire coast path or the South West coast path. Swimming is accessible if the weather is kind.

If you are interested in birdlife then you will not be disappointed. I've never seen so many Curlews in one place for example.
The coast has many Golf Courses and Caravan Parks. The golf courses are handy for the odd meal in the clubhouse if they allow public in. Most do.
The caravan parks are handy to get water and some have shops for supplies. (I didn't check them all out).

The scenery is diverse as is the walking. We found the route to be well signposted and in good condition.
Most of the villages/towns are worth visiting and I would say, Warkworth, Bamburgh and Berwick upon Tweed would be well worth an overnight stop and even a day off to look round the history.
Lots of pubs on route, if you time it right then most do meals.
The area is ideal for photographers as the light is incredible. You do get fantastic sunrises and sunsets, vast sea and cloud scapes and we were lucky enough to see 2 double rainbows.

Public transport is available more or less the length of the route but it isn't regular. Most buses are hourly. The east coast main line is not far away from the route giving good access from most parts of the UK.
Campsites - Official campsites are few and far between. Obviously in England wild camping is not allowed but it was obvious on our walk (From campfires) that wild camping does take place, in the dunes mainly. As long as you camp late and leave early using the Leave no trace code then it shouldn't be a problem. If you see farmers along the route it would be worth asking for permission.
Sites that we found for overnight camps are:-

  1. Beadnell Bay
  2. Waren Mill
  3. Waren Campsite, Budle.
  4. Budle Farm Campsite.
  5. Hemscott Mill, Druridge Bay
  6. South Meadows at Belford
  7. Dunstan Hill
  8. Springhill Farm


There are lots and lots of Air B and B properties in Northumberland so this might be an option for some. Joining the Caravan and camping club may get you on one of their sites that don't allow tents usually. A one night backpacker may be treated kindly.

All in all with good planning the coast path can be done backpacking.

Lastly, the local people are very friendly and we chatted to quite a few. We will be going back hopefully.





4 comments:

  1. I agree - one of the best long distance wslks I have done.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Alan Thanks for putting the information together...a great resource.
    I still think I'll have a go at backpacking it at some point.
    Thanks again
    Alistair

    ReplyDelete

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