We got dropped off back in Felton at 9:50am and arranged to meet up for lunchtime in Warkworth. We followed Mouldshaugh Lane track out of the village and were soon crossing fields to rejoin the River Coquet.
This was a pleasant stretch of path, a good mixture of cornfields, woodland and meadows. Underfoot was much drier than the previous day.
A mile long stretch of quiet country lane took us through the pretty village of Guyzance. The scenery beyond here gradually became more open and flat. The landscape was of predominantly arable fields and where the path followed field verges they were at times quite overgrown. The stile in the corner of a caravan site near East House was almost completely covered with brambles and nettles.
After another short section of road we crossed the River Coquet at the back of a popular caravan site into the quiet village of Heather Leazes. Once at the top of the village the view opened out to the coast, giving us our first sight of Warkworth Castle and the sea beyond.
We rejoined the side of the River Coquet at the ferry crossing point for Warkworth Hermitage. A very pleasant walk on the well maintained path along the river bank led us up to the castle. We then entered the town and met up with family.
5.The Sun Hotel, Warkworth - 12:30pm
A busy hotel bar. Sat outside for a quick drink.
6.Hermitage Inn, Warkworth - 12:55pm
Looked a very nice pub, but crowded on the Bank Holiday weekend.
7.Masons Arms, Warkworth - 1:00pm
A cosy wood beamed traditional pub. Busy, but lots of seating. We enjoyed a nice sunday lunch.
Our afternoon was spent visiting the two properties managed by English Heritage. Warkworth Castle is one of the best castles we have visited recently. It is an impressive building standing high above the rest of the village. There were extensive views of the surrounding area from the keep. Combined with a very interesting audio tour this made it definitely well worth the visit.
We then returned along the riverside path to visit the Hermitage. This involved a very brief boat trip across the river to reach the small living area and chapel, which is carved out of the rock face.
8.Warkworth House Hotel, Warkworth - 4:15pm
A lovely bar, very comfortable seating. A wide selection of teas and coffees, perfect for an afternoon tea.
9.Black Bull, Warkworth - 5:00pm
No time to stop unfortunately.
We left Warkworth late in the afternoon, crossing the river by the old bridge. The River Coquet was finally left behind as we headed along the road towards the sea.
As we arrived at the sand dunes most people were heading away, even though it was a lovely evening to be walking on the beach. Miles of golden sand extended in both directions, and we had it all largely to ourselves.
We took off our boots and paddled for much of the way.
We walked as far as we could along the beach, right up to where the River Aln flows out into the sea. It is not possible to cross the river into Alnmouth, we returned on the path through the dunes to reach the road. Here we were met again by family, and went into Alnmouth for the evening.
10.Schooner Hotel, Alnmouth - 8:05pm
Large hotel, with Indian restaurant inside. Reputed as the most haunted hotel in Britain - didn't get chance to experience it.
11.Saddle Hotel, Alnmouth - 8:10pm
Looked a grand building with nice menu. Will try it next time.
12.Red Lion Inn, Alnmouth - 8:15pm
Extremely busy and noisy pub. Low ceiling traditional bar. Unfortunately stopped serving food at 8 so we continued on.
13.Hope and Anchor, Alnmouth - 8:20pm
Lovely pub. Staff very accomodating on a busy evening. Food very good, and we enjoyed the Farne Island beer. We ate in the smart comfy restaurant.
14.Sun Inn, Alnmouth - 10:30pm
Traditional looking pub. We didn't have the chance to visit.
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