Winter walking in Northumberland

Rough seas, Northumberland

Your inclination may be to stay inside where it's warm for the next few days, while the UK experiences some pretty cold weather. But I recommend getting out for a winter walk and blowing the cobwebs away!

This is exactly what a group of us did yesterday when we walked from Howick Hall in Northumberland to Craster, a small village on the coast.

We walked through the estate's gardens and then followed the coastal path towards Craster.

It was a fantastic experience.  I'll admit that it was very cold, but the spectacle of the wind-swept North Sea, the rocky coast, and the view of Dunstanburgh Castle, illuminated by bright sun, more than made up for any discomfort.

Howick was delightful and we made our way through the arboretum, which is planted in geographical groups: China, Asia, India, North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere.

From Howick we approached the coast and emerged at one of the many old smuggling coves used years ago to bring whisky and other valuable goods into the land.

Northumberland's coast is very dramatic. There are great red rocky outcrops, fortifications, and miles of unspoilt beaches. It's full of wildlife too. A large part of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We were not the only walkers out that day. At the Ship Inn at Low Newton the tables were full with walkers and visitors gathering for great food.

For anyone who's some of the most beautiful, unspoilt and uncrowded beaches in the world, Northumberland comes as a delightful surprise. It's well worth a visit at any time of the year.

23rd November 2008 | In: Travel
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