Holy Island

NEAR and ON Holy Island

The route from Belford to Fenwick runs almost parallel with the A1 before crossing at West Mains, near the Plough Hotel. If you are going to take the five mile detour to Holy Island (there are NO excuses for not doing so unless you are competing in a race!) you cross the railway line once again, and take the causeway. But first, check the tide times by calling the Holy Island postmaster, Malcolm Patterson (01289 389271). There is also a tide table on the causeway.

HISTORICAL NOTE: In 635AD St Aidan walked across the vast sandbank, along what is now known as Pilgrim's Way, and founded a monastery that was to become the spiritual and educational heart of Northumbria. Originally known as Lindisfarne, Holy Island was also the home of St Cuthbert, the reclusive missionary who sought solace in solitude. The seminal influence of Cuthbert and Aidan made the kingdom arguably the most enlightened part of Europe during the 7th, 8th and 9th centuries. Bishop Eidfrith (Abbot of Lindisfarne from 698-721) produced the Lindisfarne Gospels, the fabled and magnificent manuscripts created around 700AD to commemorate the life of St Cuthbert.

This period of peace, poetry, monumental carving and saints was known as the `Golden Age' of Northumbria preceding, as it did, the bloody arrival of the Vikings in 793. A century later, after repeated attacks, they were forced to flee, carrying the body of St Cuthbert and all the holy relics they could manage. They did not return until just atter the Norman Conquest, when the Benedictines rebuilt the magnificent priory and renamed it Holy Island. For 500 years the priory functioned, until Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the Reformation.

The castle was built to defend the island from the Scots. During the Civil War it was a Royalist stronghold, before falling to the Parliamentarians. Restored to full baronial splendour exactly a century ago by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, it now belongs to the National Trust. Twice a day the cradle of British Christianity is cut off by the tide, restoring peace and tranquillity from the hordes of tourists. If you want to spend the night here you MUST book in advance. There are not many beds on the island and demand for them is VERY high.

LINDISFARNE HERITAGE CENTRE (Marygate, Holy Island, T:+44 (0)1289 389004) is a wonderful information and exhibition centre run by the people of Holy Island. Among the works on display are the Lindisfarne Gospels computer interactive exhibition (the real Gospels are safely stored at the British Library) portraying the story, creation and contents of this masterpiece of early medieval art. You can even lug home a facsimile if there's room in your pannier. Admission £2.50 all year round. Well worth a visit.

It would be hard to miss the Priory, despite the best efforts of Henry Tudor. This site is maintained by English Heritage, who charge £3.00 to let you in and mooch about. They also look after several other wonderful sites on the English side of the route: Dunstanburgh Castle (£1.90), Warkworth Castle (£2.60), the Barracks at Berwick-upon-Tweed (£2.80) and Norham Castle (£2.80). Their visitor centre on Holy Island T:+44 (0)1289 330733 is also worth a visit, even if you don't actually feel like paying to go inside the Priory next door.




Accommodation
Brock Mill Farmhouse, Beal, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2PB

Comfortable superior
accommodation adjacent to cycle route. A warm welcome
awaits. There are drying facilities, a secure lock-up
and we're right on the route.

Run by: Anne Rogerson


Tel  01289 381283

Email  brockmillfarmhouse@btinternet.com
Web  www.lindisfarne.org.uk/brock-mill-farmhouse/index.htm

Rooms  1S, 1D, 1T, 1F. En-suite and private facilities available.
B&B  £37.50-£50
Pk lunch  Yes. By arrangement.
Inspection  4 stars
Distance pub/restaurant  1.25 miles
 


The Manor House, Fenwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2PQ

Built in 1700, the Manor House is on the route and oozes charm and character and you will be assured of receiving a warm welcome. Just off A1 south of Berwick, just three miles from the causeway to Holy Island. Hospitality trays and comfortably furnished. Open all year round. Colour TV and DVD players in rooms. Hairdryer. Fantastic breakfast - loads of choice (kippers, smoked haddock, smoked salmon. Vegetarian option. Continental etc). All local produce.

Run by: Kate Moore

Tel  01289 381016
Mob  07863 339943
Web  www.manorhousefenwick.co.uk
Email  katemoore@homecall.co.uk

Rooms  3D, 1T, 1F (single occupancy okay)
B&B  £25-£40
Packed Lunch  £5
Evening meal  Drop off and pick-up service to local pub
 




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