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Description
Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle has a good mix of coastal habitats providing for a range of interesting species, including a seabird colony, and good shelter and food for migrants arriving from across the North Sea. Among the birds you can observe are Common Eider, Northern Fulmar, Kittiwake, Rock Pipit, Razorbill, European Shag, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Ruddy Turnstone and Eurasian Curlew.
Details
Access
Bus services X18 from Newcastle to Berwick and 418 from Alnwick to Belford both call at Craster. Car parking available at the entrance to the village (pay & display). Note the car park can be busy and is often full in summer. Access to Dunstanburgh Castle is by foot or cycle only; the castle is built on a clifftop offering close views of Northern Fulmar, Kittiwake, and Razorbill. Seawatching from the castle for other seabirds can be worthwhile. In spring and autumn, look for passage migrants like Northern Wheatear and Ring Ouzel on the walk up to the castle.
The old quarry behind the car park is now a wooded bird reserve, the Arnold Memorial Reserve, with a variety of species including locally scarce Willow Tit. The small harbour usually has Ruddy Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper in autumn and winter. The circular route indicated on the map is about 6 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Canyon/cliff , Beach , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Sea , City/villageConditions
Flat , Hilly , Rocky , Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Spring , Winter , AutumnRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
For gourmets, Craster is famous for its kippers (smoked herring) - these are a delicious must-try food for visitors.