Experience and discover stunning coastlines, historic castles, Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty and not forgetting the serene Holy Island of Lindisfarne on this fantastic Solos walking break to England’s most northern county Northumberland.
GRADE EASY TO MEDIUM
Extras
Check-in at our hotel. When evening comes, we can enjoy a welcome drink with other Solos guests before dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast, our first walk starts from our hotel. After leaving Alnwick, our route follows the River Aln across the fields towards the attractive village of Lesbury. From here we continue to Alnmouth, once a busy port which is now a delightful, picturesque coastal resort. Here we shall stop for lunch in a local pub ( at own cost)
After lunch our walk continues around the stunning estuary which is a haven for wildlife and birds, through meadows and along the Buston Links dunes, a National Trust managed site and a haven for wildflowers, protected for its sea rocket. The path leads into Warkworth, a delightful village with its imposing 15th century castle, once the home of the mighty Percy barons. This is a good place to wander around and get a cup of tea before returning to Alnwick by our bus.
Today we drive North to the Holy island of Lindisfarne. Our walk this morning is a 4.5 mile circular tour of Lindisfarne Island**, enjoying fabulous coastal views all the way. The island is a National Nature Reserve and is a haven of wildlife. We shall pass Lindisfarne Castle and end in the village where you can visit St Mary’s Parish Church and the ruined Priory(at own cost). From here we take our bus for a short distance across the causeway where we shall stop for an early lunch at the Barn at Beal ( at own cost) overlooking the island.
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and perhaps have a final wander around Alnwick before heading home.
This charming 300 year old coaching inn situated in the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick, offers a fantastic blend of unique heritage and superb accommodation. A perfect base for our Northumberland Solos walking break.
Facilities include restaurant, Bistro/bar, lounge, free Wi-Fi & free car parking.
Rooms include en-suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, desk, easy chairs and table, hair-dryer and free Wi-Fi.
From the North
Take the A1 south until you pick up signs for Alnwick, B1340. Branch left and then at the T-junction turn right onto the B1340 entering Alnwick. At the T-junction, turn right and proceed under the archway and the hotel is located directly on the right hand side.
From the South
Take the A1 north until you pick up signs for Alnwick, A1068. Bear left on to A1068 and continue to Oaks roundabout. Take second left off the roundabout and proceed to the marked town centre. On entering the town centre go under the archway and the hotel is located directly on the right hand side. (2 minutes from the A1)
Address The White Swan Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1TD
By Rail
Take the train along the East Coastline mainline to Alnmouth station. This is approximately 5 miles from the hotel.
Two guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme is graded easy to medium and you can expect to walk up to 10 miles on the first walk and approx 7 miles on the second walk.
Walking notes
Distance: 7 to 10 miles per day
Included Transfers
First walk
Bus transfer from Warkworth to Alnwick at the end of the day.
Second walk
Bus transfers from Alnwick to Bamburgh .
Budle to Beal .
Beal to Lindisfarne Island .
Lindisfarne Island to Alnwick
Please note
It is recommended to purchase a snack and drink to take with you before each walk
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
---|---|---|
January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”