Stage Seven - Fenwick to Lindisfarne
(6 miles/ 10 kms by road, 5 miles / 8 kms across the sands on the Pilgrim's Path. No ascent.)
The Causeway |
Crossing the main A1 road is the first task. Crossing at the bus shelter is suggested as the line of sight, both ways, is best there. The lane leads past the granary and will take you down to the main East Coast railway line, which has to be crossed. Safe crossing is the order of the day, with trains reaching speeds of 125 kms per hour, so take great care. When a new footbridge is constructed, there will be no problem.
Pilgrim's Path |
Straight ahead takes you down to the end of the causeway.
At this point, forward planning is essential as both the sands and the causeway are impassable during the high tide times.
These times, which are different each day, are listed on a board at the roadside. The causeway, being raised, is open for slightly longer than the Pilgrim's Path, but you must stick to the set safe crossing times. Many a 'clever' traveller has had to be rescued, even more motorists, literally, baled out. The Pilgrim's Path is marked by the line of poles, and crossing, without wading, is safest in the middle of the safe tide times. As the sands are rarely ever dry, suitable footwear or lack of it are the norm.
Once on Lindisfarne - The Holy Island, the roadway and the Pilgrim's Path meet up.
The end of the St Cuthbert's Way is at Lindisfarne Priory.
Stage Three - Harestanes to Morebattle | Southern Upland way