Day One's walking was Berwick on Tweed to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (about 13 miles). We deliberately made an early start and did some fairly determined walking to arrive at Holy Island's causeway before the tide covered it over. You can get stuck if you're not careful - and we didn't fancy 4 or 5 hours sitting watching the tide come in and out! Anyway, we made it in good time and were rewarded by a fabulous sunny afternoon to explore the island. I've been several times before and it has to be one of my favourite places of all. It's beautiful and very unspoiled. I just blissed out, wandering around with my camera. The photo shows a fishing boat coming into the lagoon harbour, with Lindisfarne Castle in the background. That's now run by the National Trust and has an interesting history - it's a Tudor (1550) fort that had a makeover into a private house by Edward Lutyens in 1903. There's also a small walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll, but I didn't get as far as that on this trip.We stayed at the Lindisfarne Hotel on Holy Island - a lovely place, where we received a very warm welcome. I highly recommend it. (I had a four-poster bed....all to myself!)
About 12 years ago, we almost made it to the island, after a visit to Bamburgh Castle. Unfortunately, we got the timing all wrong and could only sit and watch the tide rise...quickly!
ReplyDeleteNever been there, we keep talking of a 'Northumberland' holiday, but haven't made it yet; you had the weather for it.
ReplyDeleteSomething so magical about these castles on little islands guarded by the tide!
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by islands and this one is no exception! It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Beautiful!
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