Northumberland walk with sea views among UK’s best for 2026

The 2.6-mile Craster to Dunstanburgh route in Northumberland which starts and finishes at Craster Quarry car park, takes around one hour to complete.

It was highlighted by Which? following a recent survey by its members.

The short walk was recommended for its “epic, almost heroic feel” as the “romantic” ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are “constantly in view” along the shoreline.

Experts at Which? also suggested walkers stop by The Jolly Fisherman when arriving back in Craster for “reviving” crab sandwiches and crab soup.

Introducing its latest outdoor guide, the consumer brand said: “In our survey of the best walks in the country we’ve found that gentler routes around the coast are often the favourite of Which? members.”

It added: “Wherever you are in the country – and however fit or unfit you might be – there’s a walk for you.

“Members scored routes on everything from the scenery and wildlife, to signage and accessibility, and those that offered the best food and drink options nearby.”

All of the UK’s best walks for 2026 can be found in the full results table published on the Which? website, where all routes are categorised by how easy they are.

Why has Craster to Dunstanburgh walk been named best in North East for 2026?

Which? shared: “The romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are constantly in view on this short walk, looming ever closer and giving the stroll along the rocky shoreline an epic, almost heroic feel.

“No wonder then that Which? members voted it their favourite walk in the North East, with five stars for scenery.

“It all starts modestly in Craster, a village wreathed by the aroma of its 130-year-old smokehouse, L Robson & Sons, famous for its kippers.

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“Leaving the harbour and its boats’ rigging clinking behind, the path snakes through grassland towards the distant castle.”

It continued: “It also got four stars for wildlife spotting opportunities – look out for fulmars and razorbills as you see if you can hear the haunting call of the curlew. And further out to sea, you might even spot a grey seal. 

“Dunstanburgh Castle can only be reached by foot, so arrival at its massive gatehouse and its twin turrets feels virtuous.

“Walk back to Craster for reviving crab sandwiches and crab soup at The Jolly Fisherman.”

The Craster to Dunstanburgh walk was given a score of 86% and a difficulty rating of 2/5 by Which? members who took part in the survey.

Have you had a crab dish at The Jolly Fisherman? (Image: Tripadvisor)

Meanwhile, The Jolly Fisherman located at Haven Hill in Craster currently has 1,646 “excellent” reviews on Tripadvisor.

Last year, it was named one of the UK’s top pubs for a pint by the sea by EnjoyTravel.com.

A recent customer who stopped by for a Sunday roast commented on Tripadvisor: “Popped in for Sunday lunch while visiting the area. Warm, cosy and beautifully decorated we ate in the bar area as they allowed dogs. Staff were super friendly and the food was glorious.

“Best Sunday lunch we have had for a while. Highly recommend you pop in and try one.”

Someone else wrote: “A special lunch for my son’s visit to the NE. We received a warm welcome from the staff and were seated in the restaurant with a sea view.

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“The service throughout was pleasant and prompt.

“I chose the kipper pate followed by the salmon – both – excellent; my son enjoyed the soup and the mixed seafood plate.”

Have you tried this best-named Craster to Dunstanburgh walk? Let us know in the comments below if you would recommend it.