A great coastal walk
Along the coast of Northumberland; to the south of Low Newton and to the north of Alnmouth is an area of coastline, which is well known for it’s natural beauty and fresh coastal air. The area boasts, two important tourists attractions. The first is the fishing village of Craster, with it’s traditional houses, small harbour and rocky coastline.
The surrounding coastal habitat is enjoyed by waders all year round which can include Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper. Divers, Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes, Long-tailed Duck, and Scoters can usually be found in the winter months offshore. Northumberland is famous for it’s Eider sea Duck’s which are generally easy to find along our coastline.
A Guillemot
Visitors are recommended to visit the nearby Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve which is managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and is close to the village of Craster.
As you make your way north from Craster, you can see the remnants of a 14th-century Castle in the distance, which is known as Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle is managed by English Heritage . The walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh is very popular and the area is busy all year round.
During the spring and autumn migrants can be noted passing through, such as Flycatchers, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail; whilst the shrubs and small areas of woodland nearby are filled with the calls/songs of Warblers which can include Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler; whilst offshore Gannets, Guillemots, Puffins and Razorbills can be seen out at sea.
A Sandwich Tern
If you are looking for a relaxing coastal walk, with great coastal landscapes then Craster and Dunstanburgh are a great choice. It is recommended to allow a few hours to make the journey between Craster to Dunstanburgh and as the area is pretty exposed to dress appropriately especially in the winter when it can be pretty chilly.
Close to the public toilets in the centre of Craster, there are some ‘Butterfly Bushes’ which are a magnet for butterflies during the spring and summer; with often over half a dozen species present.
County
Northumberland
Map Reference
NU 258 197
Habitats
- Coastal
- Grassland
- Some Woodland
Access
There is free access to the coast and beaches.
Facilities
There are toilets available.
There are shops and cafes in Craster town centre.
Parking
There is a pay and display parking available.
Additional Information
For more information on the facilities and services in Craster please visit www.visitcraster.org.uk