One of BRITAINS best coastal walks to the iconic landmark of Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle, perched dramatically on the rugged Northumberland coast in North Eastern England, is a striking and distinctive medieval ruin with a rich history and makes for an excellent coastal walk, which can be reached from either Craster or Embleton.

You can’t park the car next to Dunstanburgh Castle – you do have to walk to it which is a short flat walk of around 1.5 miles from either Craster or Embleton.

Personally I prefer to walk to the castle from Embleton, and onto the stunning Embleton Bay beach where you can see Dunstanburgh Castle’s imposing silhouette long before you reach its entrance. You can also walk to Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster, and I really recommend extending the walk to Embleton Bay from Craster to see the pristine beaches of this secluded beach too!

Embleton Bay taken from my drone, with Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. I love this beach! A walk to Dunstanburgh Castle which includes Embleton Bay was voted in the top 10 of Britain favourite walks in a recent TV series, so I really do recommend visiting Embleton Bay when in this area.

3 BEST DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE WALKING ROUTES

You have a number of walking options to see Dunstanburgh Castle really. The simpler and quickest/shotest routes are to walk to Dunstaburgh Castle and back along the well trodden coastal paths from either Embleton in the north or Craster to the south, and simply retrace your steps once you arrive at Dunstanburgh Castle. Both of these routes are around 3 miles in total on flattish ground, and ideal if you are pushed for time or have kids with you. Below I have featured this short route from Embleton, so you get to see Embleton Bay

I have also featured below two longer routes if you have more time. A circular route, which again starts from Embelton (but can be adapted to start from Craster) – which takes in the full coastal path, and an inland path. It ensures a visit to Craster, Embleton, Embleton Bay as well of Dunstanburgh Castle! The other longer route featured is a long route from Craster, to Low Newton-by-the-sea, via Dunstanburgh Castle – and then back!

Dunstanburgh Castle from above with Embleton Bay curving beyond it. As you can see Dunstanburgh Castle is just ruins now, but still worth an explore on all of these walks.

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE BY DRONE – VIDEO INTRODUCTION

Before you view the Dunstanburgh walks – check out the YouTube video I made to give you a flavour of what to expect and to wet your appetite for a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle:

#1 EASY WALK:
EMBLETON to DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

This route is really simple to follow and if you wanted to do a there and back route – I would probs recommend starting from Embleton rather than Craster as Embleton Bay is really special. Yoiu can actually park on the road just before you get to Dunstanburgh Golf Club to shave a bit of the road walking off. Then just make your way to Dunstanburgh Castle which yoiu can see all the way – and I prefer to walk on the beach rather than footpath.

You get great views of Dunstanburgh Castle from the north over Embleton Bay as shown here. Just look at that sand! It’s one of Northumberlands finest beaches and it’s why I do prefer to walk towards Dunstanburgh Castle from Embleton – if the tide is out that is! Otherwise the coastal path on the dunes is the route to take!

As you get closer to Dunstanburgh Castle from the north you can make out the well trooden Northumberland coastal path.

#2 CIRCULAR WALK
EMBLETON TO DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

This route is a good one if you want to to a circular walk in the area. I like to start this circular walk in Embleton (I love the walk down Embleton beach towards Dunstanburgh Castle) – but it can be adaped to start in Craster also. Park up in Embleton, then head down the lane towards Dunstanburgh Golf Course, the path then trakes you through the golf course to Embleton Bay. I like to walk on the beach but you can walk on the dunes on the designated coastal path if you wish. Dunstanburgh Castle will be in view from the start so you can’t go wrong really. Once at the castle, you may want to explore inside the castle walls, but to be honest there isn’t a great deal to see inside the ruins. After the castle – then follow the well marked path to Craster, and you may want to leave more time to explore this small fishing village. There’s a good gastro pub here called the Jolly Fisherman which serves superb food & drink (you may want to book ahead if having food) After Craster you  return back a more inland route (refer back to the map to avoid taking the right turns) You can simply retrace your steps from Craster back along the coast to Embleton if you wish! . Click the button above the map to see the interactive map route.

The walk on Embleton Bay beach towards Dunstanburgh Castle really is a superb coastal walk – one of the finest beach walks anywhere!

When not walking on the sand – the Northumberland Coastal path is very clear to follow

#WALK 3 – lONG COASTAL ROUTE
CRASTER TO LOW NEWTON-BY-THE-SEA

This is an excellent long walk for those who like coastal routes. Park up in Craster – and just follow the Northumberland coastal path first to Dunstanburgh Castle, then onto Embleton Bay and finally to Low Newton-by-the-Sea. Depending on the tides you may wish to walk a good chunk of the section from Dunstanburgh Castle to Low Newton-by-the-sea on the beach. It’s also a good route for those who like their pubs – as you can have a drink in The Ship at Low Newton-by-the-sea! From there simply retrace your steps all the way back to Craster (or there is a local bus which you may want to try and get back) Once back at Craster you can then have another drink (and food maybe!) at the superb gastro pub The Jolly Fisherman!

Here is the small fishing village of Craster from above by Drone. You can see the coastal path all the way to Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance and then Embleton Bay beyond that. This photo also shows the Craster car park (bottom left of the pic) where you have to park if starting your walk from Craster.

A walk right round Embleton Bay to Low Newton-by-the-sea (in the distance) is a really special beach walk in an unspoilt area

Dunstanburgh castle from the north. You’ll see many photos of this kind with the rounded rocks battered from the north sea in the foreground. What a stunning view!

ABOUT Dunstanburgh Castle

Built in the early 14th century by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the castle was intended as both a symbol of his power and a fortified residence during the political turmoil of the time. The location was strategic, set between the villages of Craster and Embleton, offering a commanding view of the North Sea and acting as a defensive barrier against potential Scottish invaders. Though initially designed to reflect Lancaster’s wealth and influence, it became entangled in England’s tumultuous political struggles, particularly during the Wars of the Roses.

Despite its grand beginnings, Dunstanburgh Castle gradually fell into decline, suffering damage during various conflicts and ultimately being abandoned. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin, its shattered towers and crumbling walls a stark contrast to the rugged coastal landscape that surrounds it. Managed by English Heritage, the castle is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors drawn to both its historical significance and the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Dunstanburgh Castle is an iconic landmark on the Northumberland coastline and is a photographers dream. This moody pic of Dunstanburgh Castle is taken from the south on the path from Craster.

Dunstaburgh Castle FAQ

USEFUL INFO FOR THE AREA

The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is an excellent Gastro Pub, with an excellent selection of seafood too, it’s my favourite pub in the area – check out www.thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk

Embleton Mill is a small farm shop in the small village of Embleton worth visiting – where you can grab snacks, lovely produce and even a takeaway coffee for your walk  www.embletonmill.com

The Ship Inn – in Low-Newton-by-the-sea is worth popping in if you do the longer coastal walk www.shipinnnewton.co.uk

There are  2 pubs in Embleton called ‘The Grey Inn’ www.thegreysinn.ukand the Blue Bell Inn www.thebluebellembleton.co.uk