Stage 1
Cresswell to Warkworth
Stage One of the Northumberland Coast Path is very much a tale of two halves. The first half is a beach walk, with a good deal of the opening part of the walk taking place on the beach. Obviously this is such a hardship when the beach just happens to be one of the widest and gold sandy beaches you will ever see. The second half is a more built up affair passing through the fishing port of Amble and finishing in the ancient Village of Warkworth. The map at the bottom of the page marks the route of the first stage of the Northumberland Coast Path. Click on the photo icons to see images from the stage as well as other points of interest and facilities.
Starting at Cresswell and heading North, after about 3km you will reach the edge of Druridge Bay Country Park. The Park has a Cafe and shop in the school holidays and at weekends, which makes it a good stop off point. There is also a lake, picnic facilities and toilets here. Heading North from Druridge Bay you have the choice of walking on the beach or on the paths in the dunes. I would recommend taking the dune route here as you will come across Hauxley Nature Reserve, part of the former open cast coal mine that is now under the care of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Continuing North you pass the dunes of Amble Links, with wonderful views of the Coquet Island (an RSPB Nature Reserve), before entering the Port of Amble. Amble is commonly known as 'the friendliest port' and gained the nickname in the 1930's when Amble Council sent the RMS Mauretania a message on it's last voyage to the the wreckers yard 'Still the finest ship on the seas' and they replied with greetings 'to the last and friendliest port in England'. There are excellent facilities here, with public toilets, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. We would particularly recommend stopping off at Spurelli Boutique Icecream near the harbour, it's one of the top places to eat in Northumberland. There are also many other quality places to eat and drink in Amble.
The Coast Path then takes you along the Coquet Estuary and upstream along a particularly good stretch of River for birdwatching to the beautiful and ancient Village of Warkworth. Stage One of the Coast Path ends in Warkworth and there is plenty to see and do here. Dominating the Village is the stunning Castle and Hermitage, cared for by English Heritage. There are also many (dog friendly) Cafe's, Pubs and Restaurants and also a wide choice of Accommodation.
Top Attractions Along The Way
Druridge Bay, Hauxley Nature Reserve, Coquet Island, Amble Marina, Warkworth Castle and Hermitage.
Public Transport
Cresswell, Amble and Warkworth are all served by bus, operated by Arriva, from Newcastle, Alnwick and Ashington.