Bamburgh to Budle Bay walk

Bamburgh can be very busy, Budle Bay is not. Budle Bay lies barely a mile and a half to the north of Bamburgh and is a wonderful stretch of sand with views over Ross Sands to Holy Island. Approach the bay with a walk close to the sea and return via the elevated golf course for maximum enjoyment.

The Walk

Bamburgh is the most iconic place on the Northumberland Coast. It is deservedly popular with the imposing castle standing proud from the sea or inland. Bamburgh Castle probably has its origins c500AD but the present building actually started soon after the Norman Conquest. Continually improved in the Middle Ages it became a stronghold for the monarchy against the Scots. Despite falling in to disrepair during the Tudor and Stuart dynasties the castle was rebuilt under the stewardship of a series of founders loyal to the crown and today is one of the best preserved castles in Britain. A visit in and around its walls is a must for any visitor to Northumberland.

However the village of Bamburgh is popular, certainly in the summer and weekends and many will be tempted to walk to quieter spots. Well I suggest north to Budle Bay! Start along the beach and coast before returning via the footpath skirting the golf course. After the initial pearly white sands the beach ends in a series of rock pools leading to Blackrocks Point lighthouse. Continue along the shoreline and be rewarded with 2 beautiful sandy bays before arriving at the vast sands of Budle Bay. It can be a bit of a scramble over the rocks but worth it. If you do not fancy the rocks a path skirts the shore in the dunes above.

Budle Bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Not only a haven for seabirds it has superb soft sands, dunes and views across to Holy Island. I love to linger here, wandering along the shoreline and estuary which divides this part of the bay with Ross Sands to the north. My walk ends at an old pier and scattered holiday chalets where a path doubles back amongst the dunes. Initially the path keeps low before climbing on to the fringes of Bamburgh Golf Club. An obvious path leads past the clubhouse and back to Bamburgh.

The contrast between this path with its wider views across the coast with the more intense lower walk makes for a fine circuit.

Recommend

At the start circle the south side of the castle before walking north on the beach. It offers a different perspective and gives the impression of its scale. You will end the walk approaching from the north.

Navigation Tips for Bamburgh to Budle Bay walk

The flexibility in the walk makes it more appealing. If, at any stage of the walk to Budle Bay, you do not fancy continuing, you can easily hop up the dunes. From there join the obvious path skirting the golf course and return.

Its rare on the Northumberland Coast there is such a good circular option or at least an alternative return path.