The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
9 km (5.7 miles)

A walk of contrasts with a mix of nature and tourism !!  This walk came from Country Walking magazine and allowed us to take in the whole of the island.
After crossing the Causeway there is a visitors car park just before the village (GR NU 126 423). The walk took us firstly into the start of the village before turning left and left again onto a track which quickly turns into a green lane and strikes directly north across the island.  It's added benefit was that it took us away from the crowds who were just beginning to gather !

The lane finally gives out and the route continues through dunes to the site of our cache (we dropped off the trackable from the day before. 
Just beyond the cache we had a moment of absolute magic as we sat and watched seals basking and swimming off Castlehead Rocks (GR NU 131 439).
We then cut across the top of the island to Emmanuel Head with is pyramid obelisk.  Whilst the guide said we should be able to see the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle unfortunately the sea mist and gloom meant our views were limited.
After Emmanuel Head the walk again followed the shoreline taking us down to the castle, and a re-introduction to tourism (overheard "I'm not paying to go into the castle, I've just paid a bloody pound to get here on that bus").
After visiting the (outside) of the castle, we headed over to the Priory before returning to the car park just in time as the rain set in.
A fantastic end to three days in the North-East.  The sight (and sound) of the seals was a truly memorable moment and really put the icing on the cake.  Sadly, the weather was not conducive to photography and the seals demanded a long lens (which I don't have). Still, and idea of the day is available from the link