Take the bus for a walk
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership has teamed up with Arriva North East to create three new autumn walking itineraries.
The walks are Craster to Newton via Dunstanburgh Castle, Craster to Howick, and Alnmouth to Craster.
“The Northumberland Coast is fantastic at any time of the year, but there is something special about an autumn walk,” said Iain Robson, Assistant AONB Officer. “The wildlife is world-class at this time, hundreds of migrant birds are passing through our area” The Coast and Castles Connection service travels from Newcastle to Morpeth, Alnwick, and then Berwick-upon-Tweed. “There are great deals on tickets and it’s better for the environment too, so it quite literally doesn’t cost the earth,” added Iain.
Giles Ingram, Chief Executive with Northumberland Tourism, said: “Travelling by bus is a fun and interesting way to discover the Northumberland Coast. The views from the top deck are great and there is no need to worry about parking the car, or paying for parking. “My family uses the bus to do both circular and linear walks – just jump off at the start and jump back on at the end.”
The first walk takes in the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster, then onwards to the pretty village of Low Newton-by-the-Sea, and the Arriva bus ticket gives 25 percent off the castle admission fee.
Next is a circular trail from Craster to Howick Hall, returning along the coast path. The walk can be extended into the Howick Gardens and Arboretum to see the magnificent autumn colours.
Walk number three is a 14km linear route along the Northumberland Coast Path from Alnmouth to Craster. This trail passes through the former smuggling village of Boulmer and the golden coves of Howdiemont and Sugar Sands before continuing north past the Bathing House and Cullernose Point to Craster.
These itineraries are free to download and print, you can find them at www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org Plan your journey with Traveline at www.traveline.info
The service numbers are 501, 505 or 518 from Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnwick and Berwick. Two adults and up to three children can travel all day on Arriva buses for only £11 using a family day saver ticket. A Northumberland Coast Discovery day ticket is only £5.20, which is ideal for walkers.
