Day 6 - Wednesday 7 October 2020

Fenwick to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) (6 miles)


Another look out of the window after breakfast backed up the weatherman - a fine sunny day with light breezes were in store for our final day on this lovely walk. At breakfast we complimented our server Hazel on how tasty the Sausages were and enquired where she got them from - "the Fridge", she said. At 6 miles, the distance on this final day was nice and short meaning we could take it slow today and whilst we had been there before, it would also give us the time to have a wander around Holy Island - or so we thought!

When planning the walk one thing we had to take into account was the tide times. The access to the island is by a 3 mile long causeway which at certain times of the day is cut off by high tide twice a day.  During these times the causeway is submerged, either in parts, or entirely, and it is impossible to cross. Therefore whilst planning the entire walk we worked outwards from the last day in order to make our crossing fit with the "safe to cross" times of that day. A link to the website detailing the Safe to Cross times is here. Today we had a "safe to cross" window of between 0930 & 1700 therefore plenty of time. It should be noted however that we crossed via The Pilgrim's Path which runs adjacent to the causeway over the sands and is marked by tall posts showing the way. In good conditions the way is never in doubt but in poor visibility it is probably best to use the safety of the road. In any case, the area is a Nature Reserve therefore if using The Pilgrim's Path then the posts should not be deviated from.

​Chris picked us up at 0915 and took us the 30 minute or so drive over to Fenwick where after a short time sorting ourselves out we departed the village. After crossing the A1 we enjoyed a lovely walk over field paths to reach the causeway where, judging by the amount of traffic it was clear that Holy Island was going to be a busy place today. The route headed along the road for a few hundred yards before reaching the first accessible post of The Pilgrim's Path to our right. It was with great relief that we left the road onto the wet but safe Holy Island Sands - as long as you followed the posts that is. In order to follow The Pilgrim's Path it is best to leave the crossing until at least 2 hours after the safe to cross time has started in order for most of the sea water to recede therefore we started our transit at about 1130. The sands were still wet but perfectly manageable with just shallow sections to negotiate.

​After 3 miles walking on the sands we reached terra firma and could see already how busy Lindisfarne was - the main car park was rammed and there were people everywhere. We made the short journey via the road into the village, found a spot for lunch and then called Chris to pick us up around 1400. It is a shame it was so busy but no matter - it didn't take the shine off what had been a fantastic days walking.

Arriving back at Templehall all that was left to do was sort ourselves out ready to drive back home to Cumbria in the morning. We had our final evening meal in the hotel that night and on paying our bill found out that Dinner was on the house which was a very nice surprise. Our stay in this lovely hotel could not have gone better and we were extremely well looked after by Louise, Kerry, Hazel and the rest of the staff.
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Heading through Fenwick towards the A1 
A bit of law breaking from Fudge & I as we wait to cross the A1
The A1 - just a question of waiting for a gap and legging it. Thankfully it wasn't too busy today.
From the A1 the route joins a quiet lane which heads towards Fenwick Granary
Leaving the lane a path heads uphill between hedges to reach an abandoned wooded quarry
Nice of the farmer to place his hay bales bang on the path - good job it was dry today.
The western embankment of the East Coast main railway line at Fenham Hill.
The St Cuthbert's Way crosses the line where there is a telephone either side of the track.  This is to be used in order to receive permission to cross the line.  Once the line is crossed safely, you are also required to inform the signalman that you have done so.
Safely over the other side, I have a quick natter with the Signalman who is located at Tweedmouth
This lot were making a right old racket as they passed over us.
Just hold on a sec there Fudgey my boy
Near the causeway are two lines of concrete blocks which were part of the WW2 coastal defences
The start of the causeway to Lindisfarne complete with large Lego Bricks.
The road was extremely busy therefore thankfully we would not be walking on it for that long.
Entering the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve is 3,541 Hectares and was founded to help safeguard the internationally important wintering bird populations.
Six internationally important species of wildfowl and wading birds winter here.
Looking south down the coast over Holy Island Sands from the causeway
The line of poles marking The Pilgrim's Path over to Lindisfarne.
The path is best accessed from near the Refuge Box which can be seen ahead by the small bridge over South Low.
The Refuge Box situated at the western end of the causeway at the bridge over South Low.
From the bridge over South Low we followed the line of poles which leads to Lindisfarne at Chare Ends, a distance of 2.3 miles
Yes there was a fair bit of water about but nothing too deep
In addition to the main box at South Low, there were another two less comfortable Refuge Boxes on The Pilgrim's Path
Roughly a third of the way over the sands with Lindisfarne ahead
Looking back to the mainland from the second Refuge Box
Fudge was loving this terrain - however we would pay later with the amount of sand in his fur
This was just glorious walking today
It was safe to say Fudge had left his mark on the sands
About half way now as the path crosses a tussocky section
Approaching the third Refuge Box
The third Refuge Box looking back to the mainland - not far to go now.
Another beautiful view over the sands as we near Lindisfarne
The end of The Pilgrim's Path at Chare Ends
After crossing the sands we availed ourselves of this lovely bench at Chare Ends
Whilst from this photograph it may have looked quiet - it wasn't
The extensive ruins of the monastic building of Lindisfarne Priory. 
The priory ruins still display the ornate and detailed carvings on the arches and doorways.
The fine west front has survived along with the famous Rainbow Arch which is all that remains of the vault-rib ceiling of the crossing tower.
St Mary's Church on Lindisfarne
The statue to St Aidan of Lindisfarne in the Priory grounds.
Aidan of Lindisfarne was born in Ireland before becoming a monk at Iona. At the request of King Oswald of Northumbria, Aidan went to Lindisfarne as Bishop and was known throughout the kingdom for his knowledge of the Bible, his learning, his eloquent preaching, his holiness, his distaste for pomp, his kindness to the poor and the miracles attributed to him. He founded a monastery at Lindisfarne that became known as the English Iona and was a centre of learning and missionary activity for all of northern England. He died in 651 at the Royal Castle at Bamburgh.  St Aidan is the Patron Saint of Firefighters.
Looking to Lindisfarne Castle from the Priory grounds
The statue to St Aidan & St Mary's Church
The bronze cast statue of St Cuthbert of Farne in the Priory grounds.
The statue was cast in 2000 and is the work of County Durham born sculptor Fenwick Lawson.
A close up of the statue of St Cuthbert
Lindisfarne Castle
St Cuthbert's Seat outside the United Reformed Church on Lindisfarne - sadly in need of a bit of tlc
Shiver me timbers shipmates - it's only HMS Lindisfarne's ceremonial perrybuoy!
The ship was an Island Class Fishery Protection Vessel that was in commission from 1976 to 2004
Day 6 Data
Mileage

Cumulative Mileage

Time 

Total Ascent
6 miles

65.4 miles

2hrs 30mins

​59ft (18m)
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