Holy Island is a small island lying between Banburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed, that is linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway, accessible only for about half of each tide. When the tide is rising it comes in very quickly as many motorists have discovered to their cost, so check the tidal crossing information boards at the start of the causeway before crossing.
CROSSING TIMES LINK -
Holy Island causeway crossing times
The island is low lying with long sandy beaches and low rocky headlands. A small village is located at the southern end (population about 200) along with the harbour, monastery and castle.
The early Christian monastery was established by St. Aidan in 635 AD and later home of St Cuthbert, as well as the Lindisfarne
Gospels. The visitor centre is well worth a visit.
The castle built in 1540 AD, to protect the harbour, is one of the islands dominant features and is built on an outcrop of whin sill overlooking the harbour and facing the sea.
Holy Island is very heavily visited, especially during the summer,( and although you will be going during high tide when most visitors have left), it has resulted in some access restrictions. Please read the following section on access prior to visiting.
Traffic restrictions prohibit all vehicles from access to Holy Island harbour, effectively closing this harbour, which is the only viable launching site for circumnavigating the island.
The access agreement states:-
BCU members may drive to the front at Holy Island harbour to unload and load kayaks and equipment. Prior to launching the cars must be parked in one of the two
council car parks An Access Permit has been issued in the name of John Rae, (tel 01289 381218) which is applicable for any BCU member who wishes to unload and load kayaks and equipment at the harbour.
If questioned: -
The agreement has been made with Councilor McGregor. This permit does not need to be displayed on the unloading cars, but will be held by John Rae, and produced for verification as required.
The Permit Number is 220.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve – Bylaws
A further agreement is in place with English Nature who manages the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.
The area of this Reserve covers the entire coastline around Holy Island, from Cheswick Black Rocks (5 kms
/ 3 miles south of Berwick) to Budle Point. It includes most of Holy Island, all of Holy Island Bay and Budle Bay.
The purpose of the reserve is to protect nesting birds during the breeding season (April to August) The sensitive areas are the north side of Budle Bay, Ross Links, the Wide Opens and Guile Point.
During the winter the reserve is heavily used by migrating and over wintering flocks of waders and wildfowl with the most sensitive area being Fenham Flats.
Holy Island itself is not a significant bird reserve, as visitors walk all over it throughout the year.
The bylaw prohibits the: -
Launching of a boat (canoe/kayak) into any part of the reserve
Carrying a boat across any part of the foreshore
Camping / Bivouacking within the reserve.
There is no camping allowed on Holy Island.
The Access Agreement states: -
There are no restrictions on launching from Holy Island harbour or paddling around (circumnavigating) Holy Island, however the warden Phil Davey (tel 01289 381470) would appreciate a call to inform him that your group is in the reserve.
There are no restrictions on landing on Holy Island.
Anyone wishing to launch, land or paddle in any other part of the reserve needs to obtain permission in advance from the warden, Phil Davey (tel 01289 381470). This permission will normally be given, but this procedure enables them to inform you of any particular areas that need avoiding, and to suggest alternative sites if appropriate. Obtaining permission to launch from the causeway should never be a problem.
Anyone wishing to camp / bivouac within the reserve needs to be obtain permission in advance from the warden, Phil Davey (tel 01289 381470). This permission will only be given if you also have permission from the landowner. Camping is prohibited on Holy Island itself.
The circumnavigation of Holy Island is a very special trip but remember that the extensive flats and marshes either side of the causeway drain very quickly, so a spring tide and accurate prediction is necessary to avoid a long walk carrying your kayak.
High Water at Holy Island and the Refuge hut on the causeway is H/W Tynemouth minus 43 minutes.
The crux of the circumnavigation is at the Refuge, 12km into the trip.
Be here at high water unless you fancy a long portage.
Launch from Holy Island harbour approx. 2.5 hours ( excluding stops ) before high water Refuge.
Travel anticlockwise, against the tide but stay close inshore and use the back eddies.
Go past Emmanuel Head and Coves Bay (seals), a further 5 km / 3 miles takes you to the major channel in the sand bar.
Be here 0.5 hour before high water Refuge. You may have to come in through breaking surf here.
Ride the flow to the Refuge and back to Holy Island harbour.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
As stated earlier this reserve includes most of Holy Island, all of Holy Island Bay and Budle Bay. An area where land and water meet the tidal
salt marshes, mudflats and sand dunes create an environment that is home to many wild plants and a supply of food that attracts many resident and migrant birds.
Wildfowl and waders wintering here are ;Brent geese, Pink-footed geese, Graylag geese, Wigeon, Grey plovers and Bar-tailed godwits, but the list of species sighted within the reserve runs into the hundreds.
Seals off Emmanuel Head and lying up on Sand eel Beds.
For questions regarding sea paddling in the Northeast or problems with this site please contact -
[ john_rae@dsl.pipex.com ].
This page was last updated on April 12th, 2008..
Introduction
The circumnavigation of Holy Island is a very special trip but remember that the extensive flats and marshes either side of the causeway drain very quickly, so a spring tide and accurate prediction is necessary to avoid a long walk carrying your kayak.
