Creative Inspiration: An Artist's Coastal Walk from Craster to Low Newton

The Northumberland coast is bountiful in its history and beauty providing a plethora of creative inspiration for my paintings. Join me artist Joanne Wishart on a breathtaking walk along the Northumberland coastal path from the harbour village of Craster to Low Newton by the Sea, taking in the historic sights of Dunstanburgh Castle with a refreshing sea swim in Embleton Bay thrown in for good measure! 

Walking from Craster Harbour

Our journey begins at the award winning Jolly Fisherman’s pub and ‘Robson’s Smokehouse’ where they smoke kippers, salmon and herring in the same 130 year old smokehouses using oak and traditional methods to cure the fish.  

Heading down towards the harbour of Craster you can spot the striking silhouette of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. 

The Craster family built the harbour in 1906, and it remains part of the Craster Estate to this day. On a sunny day, a walk along the pier offers beautiful views of the sea. The vibrant fishing boats and buoys that decorate this picturesque harbour have inspired many of my paintings over the years. It's a place that truly begs to be captured on canvas!

Sketching Dunstanburgh Castle

Leaving Craster harbour, the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle is truly a breathtaking one. While the North sea crashes against the rocky shoreline to the East, the grassy path is often shared with a friendly cow or two, whom you may encounter as you head towards the magnificent ruins of the impressive Dunstanburgh Castle. 

Dunstanburgh Castle is owned by the National Trust but managed by the English Heritage. Built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster in the 14th Century, a wealthy nobleman, the castle provided defense in battles such as the War of the Roses but after the middle ages, fell into disrepair. Archaeologists have discovered items suggesting that the site of the castle was used as far back as the Iron Age.

The imposing castle ruins have continued to be a source of inspiration for artists over the years, most notably Turner. The landscape is impressive in all weathers, whether it be a turbulent sea crashing against the headland cliffs or the expanse of blue sky on a calm summer’s day.

Sea Swimming at Embleton Bay

If you're a geology fan there are some interesting rock formations to explore on the North side of the castle, before you reach the golden sands of Embleton Bay. 

Walking from Dunstanburgh slightly inland, we have Embleton Bay in our sights. This tranquil curve of golden shoreline is well worth making a detour for. Often quite deserted, this glorious beach is just a short walk from the village of Embleton via a country lane. The view is quite spectacular and if you’re there on a sunny day I’d highly recommend a dip in the sea! 

Arriving at Low Newton

If you’ve visited this area before, you will probably have passed by the quaint wooden beach huts. Hidden amongst the dunes, the lucky owners of these unusual 1930s wooden lodges are rewarded with a view of Embleton Bay each time they step outside! The beach is a magnificent stretch of unspoiled golden sand and the dunes and nearby cliffs in this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to diverse flora and fauna all year long.

Leaving golf to the experts, we passed by the course which runs alongside the dunes and continued on to the fishing village of Low Newton by the Sea. If you’re partial to a bit of birdwatching, you can pause a while at the bird hides next to the famous Newton Pool Reserve on the way. 

The National Trust owns much of Low Newton and the surrounding countryside. This secluded  and picturesque village features a collection of white-washed former fisherman’s cottages which surround the square and overlook the quiet beach. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Northumbrian coast.

Don’t miss the famous Ship Inn pub where you can kick back and indulge in the delightful food and friendly ambiance. Your four-legged friends are welcome too!  

Find out more: 

• To Buy paintings inspired by this trip 

Blue Sky over Dunstanburgh

Craster Lobster Pots

Craster Summertime

 Dunstanburgh Castle

Blue Sky over Low Newton:

Newton by the Sea:

• Read the official guide https://www.northumberlandcoastpath.org/