The Holy Island of Lindisfarne - Travel Information
|
A TIDAL ISLAND: 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.
Climatic charts indicate that Holy Island, on average, is one of the driest parts of the
country. It is a rain-shadow area. But yes, of course it rains - sometimes!
BY RAIL: The nearest mainline station
is at Berwick-upon-Tweed on the London (Kings Cross) to Edinburgh
GNER line. A public bus service operates from the station to the
Island although the frequency varies considerably from
Summer-to-Winter and according to the prevailing tide. Throughout the year, there are several
taxi services that operate from the station to the island.
AIR TRAVEL: Our nearest international airports are Edinburgh and Newcastle and are about
65 miles away. Each has regular links to the country's other main airports.
|
|
|
| BY ROAD:
Proceed along the main A1 roadway to the crossroad at Beal which
is approximately 8 miles South of Berwick-upon-Tweed and about 60
miles (halfway) between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh.
(Note: From the A1, Beal appears to consist of `The Lindisfarne
Inn' and `Lindisfarne Services' both to the East (or
seaward) side of the road.) `Holy Island' is
signposted East from Beal - distance about 5 miles.
REGIONAL BUS (Routes 505/515): This
regional service operates between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and
Berwick-upon-Tweed. Buses will stop, on request, at Beal. From
the Beal crossroad there is a 5 mile walk to the island unless
your journey is timed to coincide with the above route 477
Holy Island bus from Berwick-upon-Tweed.
|
|
LOCAL BUS - Route 477: A bus service
operates to the Island from Berwick Station on most days during
Summer months but sometimes as few as once a week between
September and May.
LINDISFARNE CASTLE SHUTTLE: When the castle is OPEN an island-based MINIBUS SERVICE runs
throughout the village between the two car parks and Castle with convenient stopping off
places for passengers inbetween.
LOCAL TAXI AND MINIBUS: There are several local taxi and minbus services in Berwick and the surrounding area.
Our link here takes you to a regular provider with intimate knowledge of the tides and local
conditions. They are able to suit most requirements from collection at the nearby airports of
Edinburgh, Newcastle and Edinburgh and Berwick mainline railway station - even from the
bus stop at Beal!
THE CAUSEWAY: As mentioned, Lindisfarne is a tidal island and
can be only be accessed via a metalled causeway. Tidal closure affects all forms of transport.
A car park is located on the Beal side of the causeway together
with tide and crossing information. Tidal information is also
available from the English Tourist Information Centre
(Phone:01289 330733). A copy of the causeway opening times is
reproduced on the LINDISFARNE CASTLE WEB SITE. For those visiting more
frequently, you can purchase the "Islanders'
version" in a convenient booklet from the Holy Island Post Office.
Guests should ask to be provided with causeway crossing times when
confirming bookings with their hotel or Guest House.
WALKERS, CYCLISTS, OTHER RIDERS:
Between the cross roads at Beal and Holy Island there is only one road to the Island.
At all times there are road users: visiting the farm, exploring the area or
those unaware of a causeway or its opening times. But when the causeway is
open traffic flow will be more frequent - sometimes enormous during holiday periods.
A single footpath lines the roadside as far as Beal farm. Just past here is a
specially-prepared walking/cycling route leading down to the start of the Causeway.
It is also the safest route to take. (The lane is otherwise so narrow in places
that opposing traffic has to slow, almost to a standstill. There are no footpaths and a steep
slippery bank on which to step to avoid oncoming traffic.)
You will re-join the road where it meets the causeway at the 'Beal-End' car park.
Remember you will be sharing our 'main road' with vehicular traffic. Some drivers may be
just as unfamiliar as you with the surroundings they find themselves. Many will certainly
not be expecting to find slow or stationary road users in front of them.
Some traffic will be fast moving and in a hurry to transact their business and return before the tide closes.
Some may be foreign and unfamiliar with the British highway code.
It is easy to become distracted as natural history abounds and the views along the route are spectacular.
For your own safety, be alert and prepared to step off the main road to allow passage to motor vehicles.
Within 200 yards the road reduces to a single file as it crosses the bridge. Take extra care for here there
is no room to step to one side. You will be passing the refuge which is for the use of those who might become stranded.
Take note that on a full tide the water can reach the top step!
Other than the speed at which other road traffic can appear, their remains barely a couple of
miles of roadway ahead before you reach the village. The approach is via a blind zigzag bend. Unaware of
the dangers they may be causing to other road users, some tourists may be parked or even manoeuvring in
this area of confluence.
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! Open times are
NOT published ANYWHERE for the Pilgrims' Way.
TIDAL WARNING: Tide times are subject
to vast variations throughout each month and in particular during
strong winds. Tide tables can only be advisory. Ensure that you
observe the warning signs particularly along the road side. The
tidal currents can be very strong. Should you become stranded use
the refuge boxes provided.
FOR THE CAUTIOUS: A visit to the Island
is always an adventure. Over 650,000 people visit the island
without any problems.
|
|
