Discover Craster: Coastal Paths, History and Fishing Tradition

Craster combines a long fishing tradition with impressive paths along the Northumberland coast. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in this village will find a starting point for a variety of discoveries: coastal walks, traces of history, nature observation and regional specialities are all independent experiences in and around Craster. The range extends from a short walk with a view of Craster Tower to longer stages of long-distance trails.

Coastal paths with different perspectives

The third stage of the Northumberland Coast Path begins in Craster and heads north along the rugged cliffs towards Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle can be reached on foot from Craster via a 1.3-mile path. This path runs along the rugged Northumberland coast and crosses working farmland. The exact distance is therefore an important reference point for planning your day, without any specific walking time being inferred from it.

The coastal path from Craster to Howick also offers a tour with its own distinct character. It heads towards the basalt cliffs of Cullernose Point, offers views of the North Sea and then reaches the historic village of Howick. The path from Cullernose Point to Craster also crosses the surface of the Whin Sill. Depending on your preferred focus, you can therefore choose a route with views of the castle, a cliff landscape or a historic village.

Craster is also part of several longer-distance trails. The King Charles III England Coast Path passes through the village. St Oswald’s Way includes a 14-mile section from Bamburgh to Craster. These different routes make Craster particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine individual walks with a longer walking journey.

Fish processing and traces of history

Craster has long been associated with fishing and fish processing. L Robson & Sons continues to produce Craster kippers in the traditional way: herrings are smoked for 16 hours using white wood chips and oak sawdust. This speciality is one of the village’s defining culinary features and gives a trip to Craster its own regional character alongside the landscape and history.

The “Craster defended settlement”, an Iron Age fortified settlement, is located on Craster Heugh. A walk in Craster ends with a view of Craster Tower, which is considered a fortified retreat and served locals as a safe refuge during border raids. Craster Tower is a country house with a medieval tower probably dating from the 14th century. The bailey of Dunstanburgh Castle is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and serves as a nesting area for seabirds.

Observing nature and planning your stay

The Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve features diverse vegetation and a species-rich birdlife. Among others, Eurasian wryneck, Icterine Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail have been observed there. Families can choose between active coastal paths, historical discoveries and more peaceful nature observation. Accommodation in Craster is particularly an obvious consideration when the trip is intended to focus directly on the paths and attractions around the village.

For Dunstanburgh Castle, there is a pay-and-display car park in front of Craster village. For travel by train, Alnmouth (Alnwick) is the nearest mainline station to Dunstanburgh Castle; from there, services run to Edinburgh and Newcastle. The X18 bus from Alnwick takes 20 to 30 minutes. This information can help you factor the choice between travelling by train, bus or car into your holiday planning.

Further places for planning your trip

If you want to compare Craster with other destinations or spread your trip across several places, you will find further points of interest here: Slaley, Lowick, Lesbury, Wooler, North Sunderland, Kirknewton, Prudhoe and Allendale Town.

To the main travel overview: Northumberland.