A Northumberland Coastal Walk: Low Newton to Beadnell Through an Artist’s Eyes
One of my favourite sources of inspiration is a Northumberland coastal walk, and this stretch from Low Newton-by-the-Sea to Beadnell is one of the best for castle views, expansive beaches and birdwatching.
Sketching at Low Newton-by-the-Sea
A perfectly positioned bench became my starting point for a morning sketch while my husband drove ahead to leave our car at Beadnell. After a short bus ride back, he rejoined me and, sketchpage complete, we set off north along the coastal path.
This Northumberland coastal walk immediately opens up to expansive skies, sweeping dunes and that ever-changing coastal light that continually inspires my paintings.
Views of Dunstanburgh Castle in silhouetted in the distance are worth stopping for and taking in the views.
Discovering Football Hole
Football Hole is one of the hidden gems you’ll discover along this route. Said to be named after football matches once played in nearby fields, it feels wonderfully secluded.
With pale sand and glassy water, it has an almost exotic quality — and often you’ll find yourself alone with nothing but the sound of the sea.
Linkhouse Beach & The Long Nanny Nature Reserve
Continuing along this Northumberland coastal walk, you pass the tern colony at Long Nanny Burn. Protected by the National Trust, this important nesting site supports seabirds whose habitats are increasingly fragile. Careful signposting allows visitors to enjoy the wildlife without disturbing it — a thoughtful balance between access and conservation. Please keep your dogs an a lead when near those areas.
Walking Barefoot to Beadnell Bay
From here, you can choose the dune path or wander along Beadnell Bay itself. We chose to walk barefoot along the sand — one of the simple pleasures that makes a Northumberland coastal walk so memorable. The tide was out so we really felt the expanse of the sand.
The beach stretches wide and open, popular with families, swimmers, paddleboarders and even kite surfers on breezier days.
Harbour Views & Historic Lime Kilns
At the northern end of the bay lies Beadnell Harbour, with its colourful boats and historic Beadnell Lime Kilns. Built in the 18th century to produce lime for fertiliser, they were later used to cure herrings and now stand as a characterful reminder of the area’s working past. Behind the dunes you can find the car park with ice cream van, cafe & refreshments to reward yourself after a nicewalk!
This Northumberland coastal walk offers everything — sweeping scenery, wildlife, history and quiet moments of reflection. It’s no wonder so many of my paintings begin with muddy boots, sea air and a sketchbook in hand.
If you'd like to see my paintings inspired by locations along this route please check them out here on my website. Low Newton Beadnell
Pop over to my Youtube channel to watch my film of this walk so you can really take in the scenery.
Notes for walkers:
- Read the official guide https://www.northumberlandcoastpath.org/
- The walk one way is about 4 miles and fairly flat with a couple of hills up and down onto the beaches. It was summer and I walked it in walking sandals and barefoot on the beach but walking trainers would probably be best the rest of the year! We stuck to the beaches but there is a path through the dunes if you wanted to do a circular walk back.
- There are car parks at Low Newton at the top of the hill before you go down to the beach and High Newton in the village across from the Joiners Arms. Or you can do what we did and park at Beadnell and get the bus along the the start at Low Newton.
- Toilet facilities and refreshments are available at the start at Low Newton and at the end at Beadnell, but there's nothing in between.
