CRASTER

The track ends and an old, little-used road begins, taking you to Craster South Farm. Here you fork right towards Craster and Dunstan, past the 15th century Craster Tower where the Craster family, who have been associated with this corner for nearly 1,000 years, live Craster is another must, if you can afford the time.

Look north and see the craggy remains of Dunstanburgh Castle, once the home of John of Gaunt. The epitome of what a real ruin should look like.

If you want to mail home a pungent memory of the trip, try the famous 100 year old Craster smokery, L.Robson & Sons. Arguably the best kippers (smoked herring) in Britain, they also sell crabs and lobsters harvested from the nearby whinstone platform. W: www.kipper.co.uk T:+44 (0) 01665 576223 or F:+44 (0)1665 576044).

8. Craster		Back to
Rebecca Readman		Dunstan Village, Craster, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3SZ
Telephone		+44 (0)1665 576658
Website		www.cottageinnhotel.co.uk
Email		enquiry@cottageinnhotel.co.uk
Rooms		10 D/T
B&B		from £45 (discounts available for groups and those spending more than one night)
Evening Meal		£16.95 (3 courses)
Extra bed in room: £19.95		Under 5s: £5 for B&B
On route		Packed lunch: £5

You pass the charming Cottage Inn Hotel as you go through the archway on the edge of Craster. The hotel is in six acres of woodland gardens and there are 10 en-suite ground-floor rooms recently renovated which overlook the large rear lawn. Flat screen TVs, secure cycle lock-up plus cottages for rent for groups wishing to stay for a few nights to explore this wonderful part of Northumberland.

		Jolly Fisherman, Craster, Northumberland
T		01665 576218

Here at the Jolly Fisherman, you can sample the fabled fresh crab soup (the recipe is a national secret), kipper pate or various freshly made sandwiches and golden chips fried in dripping. The pub has appeared on TV and in newspapers and has been featured by Rick Stein, who has sworn never to pass on the secret of the soup. The dining room overlooks the pretty harbour.

Celia Curry		Howick Scar Farmhouse, Craster NE66 3SU
Telephone		01665 576665
W		www.howickscar.co.uk
E		howick.scar@virgin.net
Rooms		2D
B&B		£25
EM		Pub in Dunstan (1km) or Craster (1.5km)
VisitBritain		3 stars

Cosy farmhouse setting on the rugged Northumberland coast. Rooms have sea views. Tea & coffee facilities, bathrobes, secure storage and drying. Charming spot.