England Coast path Bamburgh to Lindisfarne Holy Island Part 53

 Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Banburgh To Holy Island

Distance 15:77 Miles

Time 5:43

Elevation Gain 1203 Feet

Total days walking 65 (excluding the swcp)

Total mileage 1459.72 (including the swcp)

After a very comfortable night in the b & b we head down to breakfast which we had ordered the night before using the dry wipe boards that had the choice of breakfast selection printed on, Our names & room number were written on them, A great idea saving paper etc.

In the dining room we were greeted by Malcolm who explained to us that he is deaf lip reading & signing. We are given a splendid breakfast which we enjoy in the company of other guests  exchanging our days plans & the things we had done previously selling the boat trip to a couple who were keen to take advantage of the calm seas & see the sea birds before they leave the islands.

We are soon on our way a bright sunny day as we head down The wynding past Grace Darlings family home Wynding House an imposing Victorian house  home to the family after William Darling retired in 1860.

Following the coast across yet another golf course where there was a competition taking place through some very overgrown & muddy paths we fight our way through & meet a family with a small child almost lost in the bracken & gause bushes that over whelm the path the poor girl!

Now heading inland we join St Cuthbert's way.

St Cuthbert's way takes us through Belford & past the coop where we stocked up on supplies on the morning of our first day walking & we again stock up on supplies taking time out on the bench to rest awhile while we consume Ice creams & people watch.

Turning off the street & up a dusty lane then along side a stream like an English Lavada reminding us of our time in Madera.

Passing through some beautiful woods through farm yards, through gates & over styles we make our way along the path.

  We come to a railway crossing with instructions telling us that we must call for permission to cross the line as its a 125mph line.

On lifting the receiver the phone rings & is swiftly answered by the signalman who asks where we are, How many people & how long will it take to cross, answering him stating the location, number of persons & time he said to cross immediately. We cross the lines looking & listening as we go passing out through the gate on the opposite side of the tracks its not too long before a train comes hurtling down the tracks. 

This is to be repeated again on our journey today as we have to cross another line further along the path.

The Holy island & end of our walk is in sight & we arrive at the head of the causeway, the start of tomorrows journey but now we have to walk another 1.7 miles to the Lindisfarne inn. Stopping our strava  we start the walk up hill to the hotel, At the hotel a much needed pint is ordered & we check in taking our drinks into the garden to rest before going to the room.