Feel Good

September’s walk of the month: the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

A medieval castle, sensational coastal views, cosy cafés, crumbling ruins and a hidden cocktail bar… summer adventures aren’t over just yet.

Written by Becky Hardy

Published 02.09.2023

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation: 157 feet

Time: 30 mins – 1 hour

GETTING THERE

The trailhead for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk can be found at The Lindisfarne Centre near the corner of Marygate and Crossgate Lane.

THE WALK

Just because the kids are heading back to school and the nights are starting to draw in ever so slightly doesn’t mean our summer adventures are over for another year.

Crikey, it’s felt as though we’ve hardly had a summer with all this rain! Now the sun’s finally decided to make an appearance, we’re not going to hang up our hiking boots.

And when it comes to Northumberland adventures, at least, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is about as exciting as they come.

After all, exploring a scenic tidal island awash with ancient, charismatic ruins and long-told tales of bravery and heroism, all while taking in sprawling views of the North Sea and its coastline sounds pretty epic to us.

Steeped in 6^th century, Viking and religious history, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is one of the North East’s most unique, captivating and mystical locations. And you’ll get to explore it all on the trail we have for you here – which takes in the charming cottages and shops of the village, as well as the island’s first and only distillery and hidden cocktail bar, before heading to the ruins of the Lindisfarne Priory, along rugged coastal terrain and down towards the 16th century Lindisfarne Castle, gazing out at the blue expanse of sea before you.

HLN Hints:

The island is only accessible at low tide via a causeway.
Lindisfarne Priory is operated by English Heritage, while Lindisfarne Castle is operated by the National Trust. If you’re wanting to visit both, you will need to pay the appropriate fees for each.
Wear proper walking shoes, as parts of the terrain are rugged.

Toilet facilities can be found in the village near the trailhead.

THE ROUTE

Setting out from the trailhead in the centre of the village, head east and immediately turn right along Crossgate Lane to make your way past the marketplace on the way to the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory.

Founded in 634AD by Saint Aiden of Ireland, this fascinating site was once one of the holiest places in all Anglo-Saxon England, until it was destroyed by Viking raiders and was subsequently abandoned. It would later be re-established by the Normans and operated until the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1538.

After passing by the ruins, you will quickly arrive at the coast. Head left along the path to pass by the Lindisfarne War Memorial. Here, continue on to the east and pass by Holy Island Beach, turning right onto a road to make your way to Lindisfarne Castle.

This imposing castle sits atop a prominent hill and was constructed during the 16th century, using stones from Lindisfarne Priory that had at that point been recently dissolved by King Henry VIII.

Take some time here to appreciate the stunning architecture and beautifully scenic coastal views looking out onto the North Sea, before heading back along the road.

Instead of retracing your steps along the beach, keep right and follow the road into the village, where you can explore the shops, cafés and “hidden” cocktail bar and distillery 793 Spirits, before wrapping up your time on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.