📌 Craster, Northumberland
★★★
While the coast path north of Craster is often busy with tourists visiting Dunstanburgh Castle, the cliffs to the south are much quieter and probably more scenic (with just as many crabs in the rockpools though with less historical interest). This circuit starts from nearby Howick, tracing the shoreline northwards and returning inland through woodland, fields and past the rocky outcrop of Hips Heugh. We recommend trying the local delicacy – Craster kipper – at Piper’s Pitch on the way out of the village, or visiting one of the pubs and cafes closer to the seafront. The entrance to Howick Hall Gardens is also passed near the end of the route: pop in for a further leg-stretch, or perhaps a cup of Earl Grey tea, invented here.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at car park for Howick Sands, on minor road at Sea Houses, 0.5 mi east of Howick Hall Gardens
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NU 259173
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.449193,-1.592204
🚌 Bus to Craster, midway along walk route
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 7 km / 4 mi | ▲ 80 m | ⌛ 2 hr
Features: Craster ★★; Howick Hall Gardens ★★★
⬤ Easy | Mostly good paths, tracks & pavements.
Download file for GPS➡️ Anticlockwise circuit: start – Howick Sands – Craster via coast path – Craster South Farm – pass to west of Hips Heugh – Howick Hall Gardens – start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Nesting kittiwakes, fulmars, oystercatchers, eider ducks, gulls. Cows & sheep sharing the same field as the path at one point, horses in adjacent fields, a weasel, grey squirrels. Edible crabs & shore crabs, tiny fish.
Weather: Slightly hazy sunshine, temperature in low 20s with a cool breeze on the coast.
May 2026
