Approx 1.1 miles (one way)
Start your walk from the beautiful fishing village of Craster. You can leave your car in the pay-and-display car park on the approach to Craster and take the short stroll into the village.
Head left when you get to the harbour and you’ll soon see the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance.
Follow the grassy path towards the castle, with grazing sheep and cows on one side and the rocky shoreline on the other. As there’s nothing separating you from the farmer’s livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead. It’s a fairly easy walk to the castle; just over one mile.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, you can continue past the castle down onto the sandy beach at Embleton Bay. If you’re in a group with more than one car, a good plan is to leave a car at the car park adjacent to Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course (accessed from Embleton) before starting the walk from Craster. That way you can go all the way from Craster, past the Castle, on to the beach and up to the car park without having to worry about having to walk all the way back.
Round trip routes returning to Craster are also possible, going via Dunstan Steads and Dunstan Square. Best to check a walking map before setting out if planning this.
Craster itself provides you with plenty of food and drink options to replenish your energy after your walk, as well as the famous smokehouse to pick up some kippers or fish cakes for dinner.
Great for dogs because, although they won’t be allowed into the castle itself, they’ll enjoy the walk along the grassy path to get there. Be aware, however, that they need to kept on the lead because of the proximity to the sheep and cattle along the way. There are also plenty of dog-friendly eating and drinking options in Craster, so if you need re-fuelled after your walk, your dog doesn’t need to be left in the car.
Great for kids because there’s plenty of space for them to explore the castle, letting their imaginations run wild. There’s a tower to climb and even a story of a resident friendly ghost. The gift shop sells plenty of props to help them recreate castle battles, and there are spacious grounds to enjoy a good picnic. Although the walk to the castle may be a bit boring for them, there are plenty of sheep and cows to spot along the way, and rock pools to dabble in at the shoreline if they need a distraction.
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Old Salt Cottage
Start your walk from the beautiful village of Craster
Walk through the fields (avoiding the cows) with wonderful views of the castle ruins
Have a break at the little beach along the way
The distinctive ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle
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