Holy Island or as some call it, Holy Island of Lindisfarne, is a little island off the Northumberland coastline, connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island is home to just over 100 full-time residents and only accessible at certain times of the day when the tide is out.
Holy Island is beautiful and should be on everyone’s travel list. The island is only small but has a lot to see. From wildlife to castles, to local shops, there is something for everyone.
To make sure you don’t miss out on everything, there is a lovely walk you can do, which takes you right around the island, ticking off the landmarks along the way. The walk is an easy 6.5 miles long route. It will take you along the seafront where you may be able to spot some seals. It then leads you into Lindisfarne village, to the priory, past the harbor, towards the castle, and along to the Emmanuel Head. The route then leads you back round to the village, where you can enjoy an ice cream or bite to eat.
Before heading onto the island, it is very important you check the tide times of that day. You can only access the island via the causeway when the tide is out.
Parking
As you head onto Holy Island, drive towards the village of Lindisfarne. Just before you reach the village, you will notice a large car park on your left-hand side. This is the main car park on the island. At the time we visited it, parking cost ÂŖ7 for 24 hours.
The Walk Around The Island
Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
This part of the route is optional. It goes along the rocky beach. However, getting up from the beach can be challenging. There is a rope to use, to help you pull yourself up the steep path from the beach into the village. If you prefer to miss this section out, turn towards your left-hand side from the car park and walk into Lindisfarne village. If you want to walk this section of the route, turn towards your right-hand side from the car park, and walk towards the causeway. As you reach the 2nd bend in the road, you will see a rocky beach. Turn towards your left-hand side and walk across the rocks. Look out for seals. We saw a large colony of them, sat on the sandbank. Walk for a short distance. You just eventually see a rope and a steep path up the embankment on your left-hand side. Take the path up, using the rope to assist. Follow the path into the village.
2.
As you reach the village of Lindisfarne, follow the signs towards Lindisfarne Priory. You can pay to look around the priory. To check prices and opening times, please check out their website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory/prices-and-opening-times/
3.
From the priory, follow the footpath around the left-hand side of the priory. At the path junction, take the path on your right-hand side and walk towards the watchtower. Here you will be greeted with great views of the island.
4.
Turn back on yourself and follow the footpath towards the Fort on the Heugh. Here, head down towards the harbour and follow the footpath round towards Lindisfarne Castle. For information about visiting the castle, please check out their website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle
5.
From the castle, head round the left-hand side of the castle, towards the Gertrude Jekyll Garden. The gardens are beautiful, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Have a potter around. Once finished, carry on along the path towards the seafront. At the seafront, you see lots of rocks piles on top of each other. Why not build one of your own?
6.
Once you’ve finished building your own pile of rocks, turn towards your left-hand side, and follow the path travelling along the coastline, away from the castle. Follow the path past the pond and up to the stile. At the stile, turn to your right-hand side and follow the path up the hill. At the top, take the path on your left-hand side and follow it towards Emmanuel Head. The white pyramid, Emmanuel Head is used to navigate ships.
7.
Turning back on yourself, follow the same path back for a short distance until you see a path going off to your right-hand side. Take the path and follow it. Cross over the first path junction. At the 2nd path junction, take the footpath on your left-hand side, head through the gate, and follow it back into the village. Once you arrive in the village, why not enjoy a vegan ice cream at Pilgrim’s Gelato or a coffee next door, before walking back to the car park, where you started the walk from.
If you enjoyed this walk and would like to know of another walk to do in the area, please check out one of my other guides: Northumberland Coast AONB
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