Seahouses to Bamburgh

Follow the lane back up to B1340, then continue along the coast to Seahouses. This is a haven for fish and chip lovers. It's also handy if you need to stock up on victuals.

The harbour is imposing and handsome, a 19th century relic of the once-profitable herring industry. Nowadays yachts share berths with the remaining fishing fleet and there are boat trips to the Farne Islands. These comprise 28 volcanic outcrops 2-5 miles off the coast; they contain a huge variety of seabirds, not to mention one of Europe's most important colonies of rare grey seals - the largest surviving carnivores in the British Isles. Two of Britain's most important early Christian leaders, St Cuthbert and St Aidan, used to visit the islands to meditate.

Seahouses has plenty of accommodation and provides an obvious base for those wishing to visit Holy Island, the Farne Islands, and the castles of Alnwick, Bamburgh, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh. It is also extremely popular amongst the diving fraternity, boasting many shipwrecks along the stormy shoreline.

The most obvious - and far the prettiest - way to get to Bamburgh from Seahouses is the 5km stretch along the B1340 coastal road. Sustrans recommends an inland alternative which heads west through North Sunderland, past West Field Farm. It is well sign-posted, slightly longer and does avoid traffic, which can be hectic in the summer.

From the coastal road you get a good view across the Inner Sound to the Farne Islands, beyond St Aidan's Dunes. This magnificent 25-mile coastal sweep of virtually non-stop sand reaches way beyond Budle Bay and Holy Island, almost as far north as Berwick, and as far south as Embleton Bay.

10. Seahouses		Back to
Alan Lingwood		The Lodge, 146 Main Street, North Sunderland, Seahouses, NE68 7UA
Tel		01665 720158
Web		www.thelodgeseahouses.co.uk
Rooms		4D, 1F.
B&B		from £30
EM		from £5.95 to £14.95
On route		Awaiting inspection from VB

Hotelier and former businessman Alan Lingwood took over in 2006 and has given much TLC to this chalet-style establishement. The bar has been completely changed, and he's proud of the his menu. There's a lock-up for bikes and plenty of space. Informal atmosphere. Ideal base for discovering Northumberland, either by bike or on foot.

Judith & David		Olde Ship Hotel, Seahouses, Northumberland
T		01665 720200
W		www.seahouses.co.uk
E		theoldeship@seahouses.co.uk
AA, RAC & VB		2-star

A great place for a pint and some lunch or dinner is the Olde Ship Hotel, overlooking the harbour. Run by Alan and Jean Glen's daughter Judith and her husband David Swan (Alan and Jean are still around), it has been in the same family for almost a century. A living museum and a time capsule, the Ship has a truly great bar – blazing coal fire, polished brass and fine ales. The food is wholesome and good value, and the rooms (from £48pp) are very comfortable. There are also adjoining apartments and suites. However the hotel does not encourage big parties or children, so bear this in mind.

Malcolm Sutton and Julie Dawson		The Links Hotel, 8 King St,Seahouses, NE 68 7XP
Telephone		01665 720062
Fax		01665 720958
Web		www.linkshotel-seahouses.co.uk
Email		linkshotel@hotmail.com
Rooms		4 double, 4 twins and 2 family
B&B		£30 to £36. £10 supplement for single occ. DB&B £44-£52
Packed Lunch		Yes - price dependent upon request
Evening meal		£5.95 to £17.95
Distance from C&C		Just metres from route

Two minutes' walk from the harbour and golf courses. 'Excellent food endorsed by the numbers of guests returning year after year.' Ideal base for discovering Northumbria.