The North East is blessed with beautiful coastlines, and with that comes the opportunity to go on some stunning walks. From the newly renamed King Charles III Coastal Path to walks in Tynemouth, why not start off 2025 with a walk on New Year’s Day.
It could be a family walk, solo walk or a walk with friends. Here are some of the best coastal walks in the North East that would be a great way to start the new year.
The Northumberland Coastal Path, which stretches 62 miles, offers some of the finest coastal walking in the country. From Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the path is a stunning walk, with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, castles and coastal villages all offering something different along the walk.
The route mostly follows the coast on paths and bridleways but in some places beaches and minor roads. The route is also mostly flat, meaning you do not have to be an experienced walker. However, some sections can become muddy in winter or after heavy rain.
One route on the Coastal Path is Amble to Warkworth. On this six-mile route, you start in Amble and follow the River Coquet to Warkworth. The walk is mostly flat and there are opportunities to do a spot of birdwatching on the walk, as well as visit Warkworth Castle.
Another route on the coastal path is Seahouses to Belford. This 11-mile stretch offers fantastic views of the Farne Islands and takes in the historic villages of Bamburgh and Belford. You can also visit Bamburgh Castle. The route also takes you past Budle Bay and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve before reaching the market town of Belford.
At 62 miles long, you can pick and choose how long and how far you want to walk along the Coastal Path. You can find out more information about the Northumberland Coastal Path here.
Another walk along the breathtaking North East coastline is around St Mary’s Island, just north of Whitley Bay. The walk follows the coastline through Whitley Bay and Cullercoats, where you can stop to go on the beaches, to Tynemouth Priory and Castle, before finishing at the historic North Shields Fish Quay, where you can see a number of statues and sculptures.
A walk that could be appealing on New Years Day is along Whitley Bay beach from Spanish City to St Mary’s Lighthouse and Island
(Image: ChronicleLive)
There are a number of walks that you can go on in Sunderland. One of the easier and more manageable walks is along Hendon Promenade. The walk will allow you to enjoy the scenic views of Hendon Beach, as well as spotting a variety of wading birds.
A walk from Central Seaburn to Lifeguard Hut is also one not to miss, and this walk has two different routes, one for able-bodied people and another providing access for people with disabilities.
Each route will take you past Roker Beach and Seaburn Beach, and in the winter this section of coastline comes alive with a range of bird species that spend their winters feeding along the coast. One species of bird that does this is the sanderling, which does not breed in the UK but does pass through in the winter.
Embleton Bay also offers a walk along the attractive Northumberland Coast. The bay is located north of Craster and is a popular spot that has a beach, flora and lots of wildlife. The walk is a circular one, and on it you visit Dunstanburgh Castle, Craster and the village of Embleton.
Another option is the King Charles III Coast Path, which covers the entirety of the coast in the country. It is the longest national trail in England. There are a number of walks in the North East that are open to the public.
The Durham Heritage Coast is one, with the route passing through beaches and rugged cliffs. It is recognised internationally for its rare plants and wildlife. The 11 mile coastal path leads you through grasslands, wild flowers, flora and fauna, as well as areas of natural, historical and geological interest. The walk also offers spectacular views along the coastline and out across the sea. You can find out more about this walk here.
Join our Things To Do community for all the latest news What’s On news sent direct to your phone.
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click on the link and press ‘join community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN