Introduction
This short walk around the southern part of Holy Island is less
than 3 miles long, but has stunning views and sites steeped in
history.
The walk is mostly flat and on good paths, tracks and roads.
** When travelling to Holy it is important to check causeway
crossing times before you set off.
Walk
We started this walk from the village centre car park, but in
busy periods you may have to park in the large car park on the
outskirts, in which case the walk is a little longer.
Leave the car park at the pedestrian exit in the N.E. corner
and walk north along a tarmac road until you reach a farm.
Turn right, still on a tarmac road and continue towards the coast.
After a short distance the road becomes a track.
Soon you will reach the brow of a small hill and the east coast
of the island will come into sight.
Where the track joins a footpath turn right and walk south.
This footpath is the trackbed of the old wagonway which was used
to transport limestone from the north of the island to the Castle
Lime Kilns where it was burned with coal brought in from the sea.
From here on a clear day you can see for miles down the Northumberland
Coast to Bamburgh Castle and beyond.
The track swings right towards the castle, but a short detour
onto the shoreline affords one of the best views of the Castle
and Lime Kilns.
The Lime Kilns are very well preserved and an information board
explains the history of them and how they worked.
From the Lime Kilns follow the path up to the castle and the
famous upturned boat houses.
If visiting the castle the entrance and admission hut are here.
There are two paths from here the main path from the castle entrance
and coastal side or to the rear inland side. Both meet up again
in the west side of the castle and exit via a gate.
Whichever path you choose, a detour to the shore here reveals
the remains of the old jetty and the classic photographers view
of Lindisfarne Castle.
From here follow the path around the bay to the harbour and pier.
On the way the remains of Lindisfarne Priory will be seen and
more upturned boat huts on the shore.
Beyond the pier is a headland where a seat provides stunning
views down the coast to Bamburgh, across the bay to the castle
and to the Cheviot Hills on the mainland.
From the harbour walk via the priory and village down to the
west shoreline for more views across Holy Island Sands to the
Northumberland Coast.
From here, walk back through the village to your starting point.
Notes