Northumberland is known for its stunning natural beauty and there are several great places to walk right on the doorstep of Lilac Cottage.

Craster

The neighbouring village of Craster is just under a mile away. Turn right out of Lilac Cottage’s front door, and then turn right on to the public footpath just after The Cottage Inn. Cross two fields to the arch, then turn left. There’s a footpath down the side of the lane into Craster,  a starting point of heading North or South, or to simply soak up the atmosphere of the harbour and the smokery.

Dunstanburgh Castle

It’s possible to walk to Dunstanburgh Castle from Lilac Cottage along footpaths through Dunstan Village, past Dunstan Square and on to the castle. Return the same way, or via Craster.

Embleton Bay

For the more adventurous, it’s possible to extend the previous walk to take in Embleton Bay, before looping back round, past Dunstanburgh Castle, and returning via Craster.

Rumbling Kern

Heading South from Craster along the coast path gets you to the amazing beach of Rumbling Kern. If the tide and conditions are right, the waves crash through the sea arch, and jet through gaps in the rocks. It’s possible to return walking on the lane back to Dunstan.

Howick Gardens

A lovely all day loop from Lilac Cottage involves heading out of Dunstan south on the lane, then turning right at Craster South Farm. A path takes you past Hips Heugh and directly to Howick Gardens. There is an entrance fee, but there are many trails around Howick’s broader parkland, including The Long Trail, which follows Howick Burn down to the sea at Low Steads. At the sea, turn left, hugging the coast, passing Rumbling Kern, and returning via Craster.

The Northumberland Coast Path

This long-distance trail stretches for 62 miles along the Northumberland coast, taking in some of the region’s most stunning scenery. The section from Boulmer to Bamburgh past Sugar Sands is particularly picturesque.