Heritage Walks Northumberland

26/04/2023

Great weather to walk the Pilgrims’ Path to Holy Island

10/11/2022

A High tide on Holy Island. The road vanishes under the waves twice a day resulting in a very peaceful haven for a few hours.

26/07/2022

The Drake stone, above Harbottle in the Cheviots. Left by a glacier during the ice age and the possible site of ancient rituals. Now a great viewpoint.

12/07/2022

And when you reach the island….the Priory awaits.

07/07/2022

Great day for crossing the sands to Holy Island. Clear blue skies and great company.

28/06/2022

Walking the Cragside carriage drive Sunday 3 July at 1000. https://www.hiddenheritage.uk/cragside



Join me for a half day guided walk.

19/05/2022

Wonderful weather for the walk across the sands to Holy Island today. After excellent coffee at the Barn at Beal and the westerly breeze on our backs our party of “Pilgrims” crossed at low tide. A unique experience.

11/05/2022

Delighted to add some extra dates for walks across the sands to Holy Island. Now is a great time to make the crossing barefoot.

Join me as we follow the footsteps of pilgrims to Lindisfarne

10/05/2022

Two of the five stones at Duddo. Around 4,000 years of erosion has carved channels into these Bronze Age guardians of the landscape.

04/05/2022

Dozens of pebble-stack columns on the east shore at Holy Island. Why do you think people build them? Fun, faith, memory…..?

27/04/2022

A perfect evening for a sunset walk across the sands to Holy Island with Sue and her friends.

21/03/2022

Cup & ring marks close to Ford Moss. Perhaps 4,000 years old, these Bronze Age carvings retain their mystery. What purpose do you think they served?

13/03/2022

On my walk across the sand to Holy Island I encountered Pilgrims who were being interviewed by the BBC. Are we going to see them on the Easter edition of 'Songs of Praise'? I'd love to know.

10/03/2022

Part of a gravestone found at Lindisfarne Priory which is thought to show Viking invaders, who first landed there in 793. On display in the English Heritage Museum at Lindisfarne Priory.

03/03/2022

Can you see Inner Farne? Amazing wildlife sanctuary and one-time home of St Cuthbert.
From the beach at Bamburgh.

03/03/2022

Northumberland coastline at Craster.

24/02/2022

Rock Art from 4,000 years ago
Carefully carved concentric circles sometimes connected by straight 'gutter' lines can be found on rocky outcrops across Northumberland. There is no certainty on what role they served but these patterns will have taken a long time to cut into the rock. What purpose do you think they served to those who created them so long go?
Today we can stand and enjoy them in beautiful places that are remote, rugged and atmospheric, contemplating the reason for their creation by our forebears. They are a wondrous mystery.

18/02/2022

11/02/2022

09/02/2022

03/02/2022

Happiness is....a new pair of boots (once they're worn in!)

It's a good idea to have a spare pair of walking boots in case your others are out of action because they are drying out or need reproofing. You might also have winter and summer boots with different characteristics.
I bought this pair recently from Go Outdoors and I'm really pleased with them.
1- They're comfy
2- The laces have 3 pairs of eyelets which means easier fitting and removal
3- They are actually waterproof!
I'd tried on four different makes and each pair felt different so I'd always advise you take your time when buying and take a pair of your regular walking socks with you.
Test how the boot feels when you walk and downhill. Does your ankle sit firmly or does it flex? I like a bit of 'wriggle room' with my toes but still want to feel the boot holding my foot firmly.
After about 20 minutes walking up and down the shop I'd made my decision to go with the Berghaus pair . My first pair from this company but the choice was made because of feel and comfort, combined with affordability.
I then wore them for a few short walks before setting out to cover more ground. Of course, time will tell and I will let you know how I get on in the coming months.

01/02/2022

31/01/2022

St Cuthbert didn't have to contend with high speed trains on his journey to Holy Island but the modern day Pilgrim should call the signal box to ensure it is safe before crossing the London - Edinburgh line

26/01/2022

Walking and reading through history
Not a day goes by when I don’t read. Books, newspapers, cereal packets……
My friends are aware of this and one couple sent me a book I’d like to share with you.
“To the Island of Tides - a journey to Lindisfarne” is the journey through history and the countryside from Old Melrose to Holy Island. Alistair Moffat, the author, provides an atmospheric description which transported me back to the 7th century and the lives of Cuthbert and other Celtic Saints.
I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to visit Holy Island who wants to immerse themselves in the historic setting and the landscape.

18/11/2021

Crystal clear water in the college valley near Wooler.