Discounted
Centre-based

Walk Northumberland

United Kingdom - Trip code WNU Walking and Trekking
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90Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

A walking and sightseeing tour that explores the hidden gems and varied beauty of unspoilt Northumberland. Centre-based in Alnwick we walk the rugged coast to ancient castles; discover Roman Britannia on Hadrian's Wall and scenic beauty in the Simonside Hills.

Why we love this trip
  • Holy Island - Walk the Pilgrim's Path to Lindisfarne
  • Rich Cultural Heritage - Cragside House, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles
  • Hike Hadrian's Wall - Housesteads Fort and Vindolanda Settlement
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 5

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    On Foot

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    Accommodation

    5 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Alnwick

Arrive in the small town of Alnwick, located on the south bank of the River Aln. Alnwick Castle and Gardens was home to one of the most powerful, medieval, northern baronial families - the Earls of Northumberland - and we highly recommend a visit today or the day you leave.

Check in is available from 3pm and the hotel has free car parking for guests. If arriving by train, Alnmouth Station is about 5 miles away by taxi. We advise pre-booking a taxi if you plan to use one.

The Tour Leader plans to meet you in reception at 6pm for the introductory briefing, followed by the option to enjoy a group meal (not included) to meet your fellow guests.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walk Pilgrim’s Path to Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Optional visit to Bamburgh Castle

We drive after breakfast to the mainland overlooking Holy Island. The island is cut off by the tide twice a day and there is a causeway that allows vehicle access. We plan to follow the Pilgrim's Path and walk to Holy Island (sometimes best to remove shoes and socks for part of this route!) following the route of St Aiden who walked this route to found the Priory in 635AD. Part of the first section may be alongside the causeway depending on the tides before taking its own course across the sands. Back on firm ground, we walk around the island followed by a recommended visit to the Priory (English Heritage, entrance not included), Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust, entrance not included) and you can visit the Lindisfarne Mead Shop to sample the local meads. Later this afternoon we drive back to Alnwick with a stop at Bamburgh Castle (entrance not included). The castle's impressive ramparts have stood guard over the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years. Please note that we may need to move this day according to tides, the tour leader will advise on tour.

Today's moderate graded walk will take approximately 4 hours and will cover a distance of 12 kilometres mostly on the flat.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Coastal AONB hike to Dunstanburgh Castle ruins.

This morning we drive the short distance to Howick and the start point of our circular walk exploring the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route takes us up the rocky coastline to Craster, watching out for the Kittiwakes and Fulmers that nest on the rocks at Cullernose Point. Craster is a fishing village famous for its Kippers that are still smoked in the village today and we plan to take the chance to taste some as we pass through. Next we reach the magnificent ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle (English Heritage, entrance not included) standing proudly on a remote headland. Turning inland we start our return walking through the tracks and fields back to Howick Hall (entrance not included) for possible visit depending on timings. Although well trodden, note that this is a rocky and undulating walk and has changing and often muddylippy conditions underfoot. Upon return, time permitting, we recommend an optional additional walk around Alnwick visiting Barter Books, housed in the grand Victorian former rail station.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 5 hours and will cover a distance of 14 kilometres with a total ascent and descent of 140m.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Hike Hadrian’s Wall – Housesteads Fort, Sycamore Gap, Vindolanda settlement

We drive (1.5hrs) inland today to Hadrian's Wall at The Sill Visitor Centre. This is one of the best-preserved sections of the wall, with Milecastles and Turrets, and part of our circular route walks alongside it with breathtaking views. Along the way we will pass the Sycamore Gap and Housesteads Roman Hill Fort for an optional visit (National Trust, entrance not included). After completing the walk, we drive a short distance for an optional visit the ruins of the Roman archaeological site of Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort just south of the Wall that originally pre-dated it. Around 25% of Vindolanda has been excavated, archaeologists are still hard at work here and it may be possible to learn about that process and any recent finds.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 4-5 hours and will cover a distance of 13-15 kilometres with a total ascent and descent of 400m.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Simonside Hills short circular walk. Visit Cragside House and Gardens

This morning's walk in Northumberland National Park explores the Simonside Hills. We drive to the trailhead near Rothbury. The walk itself is short but there are some very steep gradients and we reach the summit on Simonside. The 360-degree views are magnificent and on a clear day it is possible to see the Cheviot Hills and the North Sea coastline. There is the chance to see wild Cheviot goats if we are lucky. This afternoon we have included a visit to Cragside House and Gardens. If you want to do more walking there are a number of self-guided routes ranging from 3 to 10 kilometres around Cragside woods that the Tour Leader can explain. Cragside is a remarkable Victorian house, a wonder of its age and the work of Lord Armstrong - inventor, innovator and landscape genius. It was the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity. Entrance into Cragside House and Gardens is included.

Today's leisurely graded walk will take approximately 2 hours and will cover a distance of 7 kilometres with a total ascent and descent of 240m. Additional optional walks range from 3 to 10 kilometres.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Trip ends in Alnwick

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel. You may choose to explore more of the local area under your own steam. Beyond Alnwick House and Gardens you can take a walk around Hulne Park, a former hunting park for the Duke of Northumberland, to Brizlee Tower and the ruins of Hulne Abbey.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

United Kingdom

Climate

The UK has a temperate but very variable climate. In general the summers are warm with July and August being the warmest. The winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is advisable to be prepared for rain!

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Christian

Language

English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


We recommend visits to the following sites. It is worth considering becoming a member of English Heritage and or the National Trust. Discuss the need, if any, to pre-book your entrance tickets with the Tour Leader at the start of the trip. The days of each visit may be changed around according to tide and conditions. Approximate costs are:

Alnwick Castle and Gardens - £31 (in free time pre- or post-trip)
Lindisfarne Castle - (National Trust) - £9
Lindisfarne Priory - (English Heritage) - £7.90 (actual day we visit is dependent on tides so please do not pre-book until spoken with the Tour Leader)
Dunstanburgh Castle - (English Heritage) - £5.90
Bamburgh Castle - £11
Housesteads Roman Hill Fort - (National Trust) - £9
Vindolanda - £14

Clothing

A warm jacket or fleece and long trousers are advisable, especially in early and late season when the weather tends to be cooler. Come prepared for all weather - rain jacket, fleece, warm layers, hat, gloves as well T-shirts, sunhat, good sun cream and sunglasses.

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots - leather or fabric are both fine. Waterproof boots are advisable. Some of the paths are rocky or can be muddy underfoot and you could twist an ankle if not wearing boots. Trainers are not recommended. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Comfortable footwear to change into after the walk.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a waterproof rucksack large enough to carry what you need for the day - waterproofs, warm layer, water, picnic, sun-cream, phone etc. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

Bring a rucksack for the walks and a water bottle. You may like to bring trekking poles. If your rucksack doesn't have a waterproof cover then consider plastic bags to keep things dry should it rain. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't always be places to refill on the walks. We encourage our clients not to buy mineral water because of the negative environmental impact with plastic bottles.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £20 to £30 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in tourism. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a tip for the driver if applicable.

United Kingdom

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£18
Beer price
£4
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Pounds Sterling.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Carry a combination of UK Sterling cash, ATM and credit cards.
Where To Exchange
Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATM's are widely available in main towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Widely accepted.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, On Foot

Accommodation notes

The Hog's Head Inn in Alnwick has comfortable en-suite rooms, a bar/lounge and free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. Located about 1.5 miles from the town centre. Our Tour Leader will help arrange some group meals in town for those interested.

Arrival and departure information

Check in is available from 3pm. If arriving by train, Alnmouth Station is about 5 miles from the Alnwick by taxi. We advise pre-booking a taxi if you plan to use one. Call the hotel reception for advice on local taxi companies if you want to reserve a taxi or research on line. You will be able to park your car at the hotel.

If you are arriving from overseas the closest airport is Newcastle International Airport, which is a 40-minute taxi ride from the joining hotel. You can also get a train from London Kings Cross to Alnmouth Station which takes just under four hours. A train from Edinburgh to Alnmouth Station takes approximately one hour.

United Kingdom

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

UK: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Australian, New Zealand, US, EU and Canadian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, work, leisure are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Australians can apply for an ETA through the UK ETA app https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app or online https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. The ETA costs approximately AU$20 and takes about three days to process. Once approved, ETAs are valid for up to two years and tourists do not need to reapply for subsequent visits within that period.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

United Kingdom

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

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Airport Transfers
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