Nothumberland Coast Path - Ashington to Alnmouth (★★★☆☆)

The Northumberland Coast Path is possibly one of the more underrated trails that can be walked in England - with some major historical sights, near perfect beaches to walk along and relaxed cliff top walking.

By this point, I had already walked two days on this route walking from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Bamburgh, and then the following day from Bamburgh down to Alnmouth.

The Northumberland Coast Path - however - runs all the way down to Cresswell, which sits at the south of a long run of beach up from Cresswell to Amble.

This spot has always been slightly awkward to get to, but in very late 2024 it became possible to get the train up to Ashington from Newcastle, following the opening of the Northumberland train line (there is even talk now of extending the route up to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea). This offers much more regular service than the former bus service, which makes life a lot easier for travellers.

And so it is, that I'm heading out on the very first train of the late at the end of January, to do a winter walk along the beach - in what is promised to be sunshine. Finding good winter walks can be hard, but on a sunny day, you really can't go too far wrong with a beach walk - just make sure you are wrapped up against the cold.

From Ashington train station, there is a very short walk through the town centre to a cycle route that runs eastwards, running directly into Newbiggin-by-the-Sea - and this is the route I will follow to join up with the coast line.

From here, I look around the town that is in places very nicely finished, and in other places slightly run down. It is a charming little town and so I do I hope will get its train link to just bring that little bit more money and life back into the town, because I suspect that will be enough to bring it back to more of what it could be.

Just coming up to 9am with a low sun on the beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

The coastal route heads north, round the edge of a golf course, and then on past Lynemouth biomass power station.

I'm sure this power station won't be around for much longer, as it is one of the older power stations in the country - and really just looks like a giant shed, but I choose on this write up to gloss over the fact that I'm walking by a power station, and instead focus on the path onwards.

From here they are doing work reinforcing the dunes and the beach, so I'm forced to stick to the road for a bit longer than the route on the map suggests, but it is an exceptionally quiet road with a path set to one side, and before long I find myself in the pretty village of Cresswell. Cresswell doesn't seem to have much of a centre, but its certainly a nice place to be and walk through.

Here of course the coastal path becomes the Northumberland Coast Path, and it is here that the walk really begins in earnest.

Dropping down from the official path to the beach, I now have about 5 miles of near perfect beach to walk along in the winter sun.

Druridge Bay

Not too many other footsteps

It's a clear sunny day, but it is still winter, so not particularly warm, and this means that there are both people about along the beach - mostly dog walkers - and not too many people out and about.

This results in a very pleasant walk along the beach - even seeing some horses out for a ride on the way - and the long stretch along the beach is a perfect way to spent the next phase of the walk.

After quite a long while, it is time to head inland, back to the official path, to round the headland to Amble. From here you pass by Coquet Island in the distance - you can't really say that it is a pretty island, but it is unusual with its little buildings sat slightly out to sea. Unfortunately pictures don't show too much with it out to see, but a little Google search will show you how it looks.

Amble itself is pretty busy, and there is plenty going on, but I head round the town, and set off along the road to Warkworth.

This stretch is not quite so enjoyable, but still okay for road walking, and then coming into Warkworth you find a very historic old town.

Warkworth Castle

The castle is well preserved, and the town seems to have a bit of money, with similar vibes to Bamburgh further north. This would be a nice place to stay over - but equally so would Alnmouth slightly to the north. This with more of the history and feeling of older days, and Alnmouth with more of the beach and seaside vibes.

As it is, once you get through town, you head up the hill - heading east back towards the sea to the dunes, where you find toilets should they be needed.

Then you turn left, and head north through the golf course. Here I pick up the pace a bit, because I'm slightly tight on time to the train in Alnmouth - and if I miss it, the next one arrives about two hours later 😓.

In summer I'd just relax, take my time and enjoy the time in the sun and use the later train as my target, but in winter it will get dark and I'd rather be on my way home.

So it is, that there is a slightly rushed section, whilst still trying to make the most of the pretty beaches - and opting to head up initially along the beach, before cutting inland.

Leaving behind the beach

Returning more inland, the path then starts to cut up left through the fields - and while you can head on across the estuary direct to Alnmouth, that path seems like madness given it basically goes through through the estuary - so I stick to the inland route.

Here, you join a cycle route split off from the road, which then joins up with the road up from Alnmouth to Alnmouth train station - and heading up the hill, I am able to arrive in time for my train home.

Having joined up with the same route I took coming down from Berwick-Upon-Tweed upon reaching the road from Alnmouth, my journey along the Northumberland Coast Path is also now complete - with the full stretch from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Cresswell having been walked over these two trips.

Enjoyment Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ ★ ★ / 5

Click on the following link to see the next coastal section heading south with a walk from Ashington round to Whitley Bay.

Disclaimer: This writeup provides a narrative of what to expect rather than a route guide to follow. The route is covered by the 81 OS Landranger map - while there is also a Northumberland Coast Path guidebook (covers from Newcastle up to Berwick-Upon-Tweed - not just from Cresswell) which includes OS mapping (links redirect to Amazon). The route is in general well way-marked.