Happy Snapper At Large: Lindisfarne

A visit to Berwick on Tweed to meet two lovely people became a lovely treat

A much to my delight a visit to Lindisfarne had been planned.I had only visited once before and the weather had not been kind, fingers crossed we seemed to have a good start.

Holy Island is linked to the mainland by a long causeway. Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea and covers the road. Tide times and heights can be accurately predicted from the phases of the Moon. Severe weather can produce offsets, particularly with strong winds from the North and Northeast. The causeway crossing times are forecasted 'safe' crossing times. Nevertheless, travellers should remain vigilant if crossing near the extremeties.

PILGRIMS CROSSING

A clearly marked route links the mainland to the island across the sands and mud. Newcomers are cautioned against using this route unless accompanied by a person with local knowledge. Never attempt this route at dusk or on a rising tide!

LINDISFARNE PRIORY

The building of the world renowned famous Benedictine Priory was started during the late 11th century and followed on from the Norman conquest and ensuing religious changes. It was built in a parallel time frame and regarded by many as 'the taster' for the building of Durham Cathedral. The scale is about 10-to-1 and, although in the case of Lindisfarne there has been considerable erosion to the interior Romanesque stonework, the features are identicical between the two - even to the extent of the gothic chancel extension.

Around the Harbour

Tools of a Fisherman’s Trade

Holy Island harbour is characterised world-wide by pictures of the large, upturned fishing boats lining the beach. Now no longer seaworthy and used as work sheds for the small remaining seagoing fraternity, many of these boats were part of one of the largest Herring Fleets to sail off the east coast of England.