Summer activity days

The activities are confirmed for the following days:

Monday 4th August - Ascent of Cheviot via Hedgehope. Meet at Ford Scout hut at 9am; collect at 6pm.
This will involve about 9 miles of hill-walking and will take approximately 5 hours.

Tuesday 5th August - Cycling in Ingram valley. Meet at Ford Scout hut with bicycle and helmet at 9am; collect at 6pm.

Wednesday 6th August - The Lindisfarne Trail Meet at Ford Scout hut at 9am; collect at 6pm.

Packed lunch will be required on each day along with appropriate outdoor clothing/equipment. Spending money (we suggest £2 - £3 per day) may be brought.

The Lindisfarne Trail

The Lindisfarne Trail is one of the Northumberland County Scouts challenges for the 2008 Centenary of Scouting in Northumberland.
The following information is taken from North Northumberland District's Lindisfarne Trail leaflet.
Before setting out on the trail please check the tide tables and plan accordingly (www.lindisfarne.org.uk)


Section 1. The causeway (not the Pilgrim Way) and approach to the village ending at the car park next to St Aidan's RC Church. There are public toilets situated in this car park. (Parking charge £2.40 for 3 hours, £4.00 all day). Approximate walking time 1 hour 15 minutes.

Instructions for Section 1.
Leave the car park at the start of the causeway. Follow the road to the village (we do not suggest following the line of the Pilgrim Way, marked with wooden poles as there are quick sands and the tide can race in.) Walk off the road and facing the oncoming traffic. Take the first left until you reach the car park.

Questions for section 1
1. Why do you have to be careful of Pirri Pirri Bur?
2. Where does the Pirri Pirri Bur come from?
3. Which castle can you see on the mainland?
4. When were the guide posts put in place to make this route to the island?
5. Why do you have to be careful when you enter the National Nature Reserve?
6. Name three of the birds listed as over-wintering on Holy Island.

Section 2. A tour around the key places of interest on the island taking in the castle, harbour, old coastguard station, St Cuthbert's Isle, St Mary's Church and the Priory. Approximate walking time 1 hour 15 minutes.

Instructions for section 2
Leave the car park by turning left out of the gate, then right (or if you have not stopped at the car park, continue straight on) to the T junction. Turn left and take the road to the castle.
Follow the path to the left of the castle to where it passes under a footbridge. Climb up to join the path returning to the castle.
To the left is a rocky crag. (Adults should ensure appropriate supervision of children.)

Leave the castle by the path that takes you alongside the water towards the harbour. Follow the beach around to your left.
Join the concrete harbour wall walking to your left towards the sea. Take the rocky steps to your right to climb the ridge.
You will pass the former Coastguard Station. Stop to take the views.

Follow the footpath and descend to arrive opposite St Cuthbert's Isle. (Take care - the rocks are slippery when wet!)
When the tide is fully out it is possible to walk across to the isle. (Check the state of the tides). Both St Aidan and St Cuthbert used the island as a retreat.

Take the path that follows the wall of the churchyard and enter by the gate on your right. The Church of St Mary is usually unlocked to enable you to visit. Remember it is the House of God so behave accordingly).

Exit the Church following the path to your left till you see the statue of St Aidan. (The Priory belongs to English Heritage who make a charge for entry - but maybe well worth visiting if you have time)

Leave the Priory to pass the Museum Shop on your left and the Lifeboat boards on your right.

Follow the path turning to your right then left passing the Crown and Anchor and the Island Store. Continue to the T junction and turn right passing the Ship Inn on your left to join the road to the car park next left. Arrive back at the car park.

Questions for section 2
1. When was the castle used as a fort?
2. When did the de Stein family give the castle to the National Trust?
3. What are the upturned boats for?
4. What do the fishermen catch with the 'pots'?
5. What is the highest point of the island called?
6. When was the war memorial constructed?
7. To the left of the main altar of the Church there is a small replica statue. Who does it commemorate and what event?
8. At the Priory, what does St Aidan hold in his hand? (and it is not an ice cream!)
9. When was the first lifeboat in use?


For more information about Holy Island or Lindisfarne, including tide timetables click here.