DISCOVER NORTHUMBERLAND

Squadrons of barnacle geese fly overhead, noisy V formations making their way across an autumnal blue sky. A falcon hovers above dunes thick with marram grass, watching for any unfortunate prey to make a move. Further along the sand, a spindly grey heron beats its wings and takes off along the coast. From cormorants to curlews, birds have been our constant companions on our Northumberland Coast Path hike, far outnumbering people. Throughout history, people have tried to conquer this region, as demonstrated by the many castles along the coast. And, for long sections of the route – like vast Cheswick Sands – with a soundscape of crashing waves and birdsong, it still feels like a place that belongs to the wild.

The Northumberland Coast Path runs for 63 miles from Cresswell to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, close