Lindisfarne

Key Facts

• Location: Northumbria
• Size: 400 hectares
• Terrain: Beach and dune walking, easy footpaths
• Access: Tidal causeway
• Height gain: 255 metres
• Map: OS Explorer 340 or OS Landranger 75
• Starting point: Main car park at grid ref 55.675884, -1.801364; post code TD15 2SE
• Accommodation/food:

  in Lindisfarne village

• Island Summary:

  Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims and race the tides to soak up the spiritual vibe of Holy Island. Described as the cradle of Christianity in England it was the chosen site for the mission of converting pagans to Christians and transforming a nation. Walking along the gloriously wild and windswept Northumbrian coastline though one can’t help but think that mother-nature remains quietly in charge – even controlling when one can access this magical island.

• Look out for:
  • The unique Lindisfarne orchid
  • Seals and half the world’s population of light-bellied Brent geese (winter)
  • The rainbow arch on Lindisfarne Priory
  • The colourful Gertrude Jekyl garden of Lindisfarne Castle
  • Stunningly wild beach at the north end of the island
• Route description:

  A walk north along the causeway to circumnavigate the dunes at Snook Point followed by an energising section along the windswept beaches of the north of the island. Then following a myriad of sandy paths that undulate through the dunes of The Link to access the easy-graded path around the rockier-east coast. Some straightforward route finding will be needed at the south-west tip of the island to reach the beach at The Basin before a steep climb up the bank to find the narrow, low cliff-top path leading back to the main car-park.

• Getting there:

  By cycle; NCN1. Coast and Castles cycle route.
  On foot; from main Holy Island village
  By train; Berwick-upon-Tweed 10 miles from causeway
  By road; 5 miles east of A1 across a tidal causeway, please check safe crossing times before visiting by going to http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=3309
  Parking: in the interests of village residents please use main island car park, 1 mile (signposted before village). Pay and display.
  By bus; 477 service from Berwick-upon-Tweed train station, with connecting buses at Beal to and from Newcastle. Times vary with season and tides. Also private island minibus from Holy Island car park to castle