Route of The Month July

August 7, 2012 0 0

This a 4 mile return route from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle along the beautiful Northumberland coast. The run is interesting because of the fantastic scenery and the varied terrain and surfaces you can run on. The route takes you along a picturesque coastal footpath from the village across the fields and follows the rocky shore north to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

The start of this run is a gorgeous rented cottage overlooking the sea in Craster, a perfect base for exploring the routes along the coast. Take the coastal footpath left and continue to the only pub in the village, pass through the car park and downhill towards the harbour. Today Craster is best known for its kippers, and the smells when you pass the smokehouse on your left will make your mouth water! Follow the harbour line as a small incline takes you back up to the short road which take you directly back onto the coastal path.

Once through the gate you face open fields where your only obstacles and distractions are the sheep and the view of the ruins of the castle in the distance. About a mile and half (and a 24 metre climb!) you will reach Dunstanburgh Castle, an iconic 14th century castle ruin, once one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England

At the Castle take a left and follow the path which skirts the castle, and takes you back down towards the sea. The terrain here is hard underfoot with rocks and stones and winding, again interspersed with random sheep grazing. Follow the path to the sea where you can scramble amongst the rocks and do you own exploring.

The return route is just as interesting, with Craster golf course on your right and then the climb back up to the castle. Although your legs will be tired, once back up the climb the views are spectacular.