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Introduction
This walk follows the dunes and beach along the coast
from Warkworth to the south side of the River Aln at Alnmouth and
return. (Note the walk does not go to Alnmouth Village.)
The start of the walk is best timed to coincide with
the hour around low tide to enable the crossing of Birling Carrs
Rocks.
If this is not convenient, the inland footpath via
the Golf Course and Caravan Site can be taken and access to the
beach north of the rocks gained beyond the site.
Walk
The walk starts at the car park located on the road
to Warkworth Golf Course. (Turn right immediately after crossing
the River Coquet when heading North out of Warkworth.) There are
toilets at this car park.
Walk down the steps and footpath from the car park
towards the dunes and beach.
The path skirts the south end of the Golf Course.
Turn left along the path that heads north between the dunes and
Golf Course. An emergency phone post is located at the point where
you turn left, together with a footpath sign to Buston Links and
Alnmouth.
After a short while the path leaves the edge of the
Golf Course and enters the dunes. A short detour here to the top
of the dunes gives spectacular views back down the coast to Amble
and Holy Island.
The path will shortly turn left inland up a gulley,
but instead turn right onto the beach. You will soon reach Birling
Carrs rocks which afford great views to the north and south along
vast empty beaches.
Care is needed when crossing these rocks which are
submerged at high tide (the reason this route was taken at low tide)
and are likely to be slippery in places at all times.
Walk north along the beach toward the mouth of the
River Aln past very steep dunes. On a windy day the sand will be
lashing across the beach here.
When you reach the mouth of the River Aln turn along
the south shore towards the headland upon which is perched a large
wooden cross. The view across the river to Alnmouth is worth spending
time to savour.
To start the return leg follow a path that leads into
the dunes around the edge of some mud flats.
There are numerous little paths heading in all directions
here so it is really a matter of picking your way through.
The path needed will turn right and emerge from the
dunes to a track and parking area.
In the distance the main road from Alnmouth to Warkworth
and the East Coast main line railway can be seen.
Follow the track south which is flat for a while before
rising quite steeply into the dunes again and skirting farmland
to the right.
The path will soon reach a caravan park and passes
through the park to emerge back at the Golf Course.
Once again there are spectacular views south towards
Amble.
Walking along the track at the edge of the Golf Course
it will soon turn inland across the course and then south again.
At the point where this track turns right, turn left
instead through a gate and follow the path under the golfers footbridge
down the gulley. (The ground can be boggy here.)
The path turns right at the end of this gulley and
rejoins the route at this point where you walked down to the beach.
Follow the path back from here to the car park.
Notes
Distance Walked - Approx. 6.5 miles.
Good Walking boots advisable.
Care needed at Birling Carrs Rocks.
Best done at low tide.
Map - OS Landranger 82 - Alnwick, Morpeth &
Surrounding Area.
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