Embleton to Craster Walk

Route Description for Embleton to Craster Walk

will take you through a variety of terrain, including open fields and rugged coastal paths. Be sure to wear proper walking boots with good support. Additionally, those walkers wanting to enter Dunstanburgh Castle will need to pay a fee, as it is managed by English Heritage.

Even though some sections of this route are a bit on the rugged side, the stunning views looking out onto the North Sea and the historic 14th Century Dunstanburgh Castle are truly sights to behold. In addition to the beautiful views, you will also have the chance to explore the charming seaside village of Craster, as well as some lovely stretches of coastal farmland. This is a wonderful walking route no matter your skill level.

Setting out from the trailhead in Embleton, you will make your way east along Front Street until you arrive at an intersection. Keep straight here onto Sea Lane, following it to the northeast for 0.56mi in order to leave Embleton behind on the way to the Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course.

Continuing past the clubhouse for 35 m, you will turn right along a footpath that will take you across Embleton Burn and through the golf course to the southeast. Keeping straight along this path for the next 2.1 km, you will eventually arrive at the site of the historic 14th Century fortification known as Dunstanburgh Castle. Those wanting to further explore the site can pay the entry fee and make their way around the impressive fortifications, while also taking in some wonderful views across the North Sea.

After taking in the sights of the castle, continue working your way along the path as it will eventually meet up with the coast after 0.6 km. Take some time here to appreciate the beautiful views across the water as you continue south for another 1.4 km, eventually arriving in the charming seaside village of Craster. Here, you will find the Jolly Fisherman Inn, a great place to stop in for a mid-walk pint near the harbour.

At this point, you will make a loop around the village to experience its charming streets, eventually following West End for 0.2 km as it leaves the village behind and presents a footpath on your right. Following this into the woodland expanse of Norwell Brow, you will make your way to the north for 1.1 km to arrive at a junction.

Turn left here and follow the path for 0.4 km, enjoying the lovely views of the surrounding farmland before arriving at a gate. Make your way through and turn right along the track, following it to the north for 1.7 km. Here, you will turn left onto the road and pass by the dairy, continuing on for the next 1.8 km to cut across the countryside on the return into Embleton where you began the Embleton to Craster Walk.

Trail Highlights

Dunstanburgh Castle

Located along the Northumberland coast, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle date back to the 14th Century and are situated atop an earlier Iron Age Fort. The fortifications were constructed by Earl Thomas of Lancaster between 1313-1322 and were likely meant to serve as a refuge, as the Earl was an opponent of King Edward II. The castle would later be improved and played an important role in the conflicts with the Scots, as well as the War of the Roses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay for Castle Dunstanburgh?

Castle Dunstanburgh is operated By English Heritage, and as such, there is a fee to enter.

How old is Dunstanburgh Castle?

While the Iron Age fort underneath is much older, construction on the Medieval castle began in 1313 and finished in 1322.