Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

Northumberland

Route: Dunstanburgh Castle

Area: Northumberland

Date of walk: 28th March 2015

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 6.2 miles

Weather: Mostly sunny – extremely windy

Ancient Dunstanburgh Castle cannot be reached by car, which is good, and is best approached on foot from the small fishing village of Craster. We parked in the public car park just outside the village and walked down to the harbour

The castle is cared for by English Heritage, and stands on a remote headland in Northumberland. It was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was originally recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold.

The castle was in full view as we walked along the coastal path and the views ahead were awesome. When we arrived there it was blowing a gale, and it was hard to stand up at times. We walked round the ruins for a while, before carrying on along the path towards Embleton Bay. The views of the bay were the second highlight of this walk

After dipping our boots in the sea we walked inland and returned over agricultural land, revisiting Craster to buy some of the local delicacy – Craster Kippers

What a great walk!

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