Embleton, Dunstanburgh and Craster Day Walk
10 people attending
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Starting in the village of Embleton, this figure of eight walk heads to the coast, the golf course and beyond. The ruin that was Dunstanburgh Castle comes into view.
The castle was built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster between 1313 and 1322 and was fought over during the Wars of the Roses. The castle never recovered and fell into ruin. At the castle we have the option of a snack stop outside or take half an hour or so for an early lunch break. The castle itself is an English Heritage site with an entry fee of £5.40/£6.00(gift aid). English Heritage members gain free entry and so do National Trust members (except on event days).
It's onward to Craster, which developed as a fishing village with the main catch being herring. Herring was cured to make kippers. These days, imported kippers are cured at Craster with local boats fishing for crabs and lobster.
From Craster it's then onward to St Oswald's Way and the coastal path with spectacular views. After passing features such as Black Hole, Swine Den, and Rumbling Kern, the route heads away from the coast to Longhoughton and on to pass the entrance to Howick Hall. The hall was build by Sir Henry Grey in 1782, however its most famous resident was the second Earl Grey who led the movement in 1831-2 that resulted in the Great Reform Act. Grey's Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne commemorates this.
The route then passes Hips Heugh before heading towards Craster to complete the lower portion of the figure of eight. Upward the hike goes to take in a view of the castle from a different perspective. Then it's past Dunstan Square and Dunstan Steads to close the figure of eight and finish back at Embleton. There'll be a pub stop for those who want refreshments.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking.
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: Proper walking trousers. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch.
There is a small shop in the village, but it might not be open.