Dunstanburgh Castle Circular Walk – 7km Coastal Hike from Craster via Embleton Bay in Northumberland

Region: Dunstanburgh Castle, Craster & Embleton, Northumberland Coast AONB, North East England

Places To Stay: Stay in the characterful fishing village of Craster or nearby Alnwick. Try: Stay in Craster or browse Northumberland Coast Accommodation

I’ll add more Northumberland walks soon.

All my walking guides and adventures are free to read, thanks to the support of kind folks like you. That said, creating and walking each route takes time (and plenty of coffee!), so if you’ve enjoyed this post or found it useful, feel free to share it around — or even treat me to a coffee or two. It really helps keep the boots moving and the guides coming. You can do that here: click this link. Diolch as always!

The Dunstanburgh Castle Circular Walk is a stunning stretch of Northumberland coastline linking the fishing village of Craster with the medieval ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the wide, sandy expanse of Embleton Bay. It’s a mostly flat, easy-going hike, but packed with coastal drama and historic atmosphere.

This route is ideal for those who want sea views, castle photography, a windswept coastal vibe, and a circular loop that finishes back in a village with a cracking pub. What’s not to like?

Looking for Cheap Flights? Try the Skyscanner Flight Checker Below.

This is how I find my ‘Flight Tickets‘, I fly when the price suits my budget. Flying to Heathrow is the best option for London.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: Craster Tourist Car Park (postcode: NE66 3TW)
• Google Maps link: Craster Car Park
• Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
• You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive profile

Hike Profile

• Distance: 4.3 miles / 7 km (circular)
• Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
• Highest point: 25m / 82ft (mostly flat)
• Difficulty: Easy – level paths with some grassy and sandy sections
• Route conditions: Well-trodden paths and beach walking – wear walking shoes or boots

Sim Local can reduce or even eliminate your roaming fees. Click www.simlocal.com/ + 10% Discount Using – ‘WELSHMAN’

Hike Description

Start from Craster Car Park and head out along the coastal path northwards. The sea is always on your right as you walk towards the castle, and before long the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle loom into view, a dramatic silhouette on the horizon.

The castle dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most iconic sights in Northumberland. If you’re a member of English Heritage, entry is free, and it’s worth a visit for the clifftop views alone.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The Video is a 3D walk through of this route; it will give you a unique sense of having walked through the route before you start.

I have created 3D Videos of my adventures and have shared them with the OutdoorActive community as well as my walking community.

Dunstanburgh Castle Circular Walk, Northumberland - 3D Video

From here, continue along the grassy clifftop path before dropping down onto the golden sands of Embleton Bay. The return leg curves inland across fields and farm tracks, eventually looping back to Craster where a pint and fresh crab sandwich await at the famous Jolly Fisherman pub.

This walk is as much about atmosphere and scenery as it is exercise, a perfect short loop for all abilities and a brilliant way to get a feel for the wild Northumberland coast.

Dunstanburgh Castle Walk FAQs

Water-to-Go Named Best Watter Bottle for Travel. Click www.watertogo.eu + 20% Discount Using – ‘WMW20’