Holy Island loop — Northumberland Coast

Lindisfarne (also known as "Holy Island") is a tidal Island located off the majestic Northumberland coastline in the United Kingdom. This means, if you don’t take note of that day’s tide times, you will find yourself isolated there for 6hrs until the tide recedes. This may not be such a bad thing if you have a penchant for quirky Island destinations, rich in folklore and complete with mediaeval castles, historic landscapes and near empty trails. Whilst you’re unlikely to find yourself lost on Lindisfarne (It measures 3.0 miles (4.8 km) from east to west and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from north to south) there are some trail gems to be experienced, which many of the 650,000 visitors each year fail to discover. Beginning from the main/sole car park on the Island, this route takes you through the Village which is well worth exploring post-run for its quirks and welcoming pubs. Turning toward the coast at the Little Free Library (quirk #1), watch out for seals as they watch out for you along the rocky shore of the south-west corner. Climbing up Lindisfarne’s only hill you pass the Lookout Tower, a top spot for birdwatching over the Special Protection Area mud and sand flats. From here you look across the harbour to the iconic Lindisfarne Castle, which is where most tourists will turnaround upon visiting, however this is where Holy Island becomes your own. Running North from here along the rocky shoreline, with pile upon pile of miniature megaliths alongside, you are distinctly aware that nothing separates you from the Nordic lands from whence the devastating Viking attack in 793 came, sending a shockwave through Europe. A beautiful trail leads to the obelisk at Emmanuel Head where it is worth pausing to take in the pristine landscape and solitude. The beach and dunes leading back to the Village from here are hard to tear yourself away from, but then you could always do another lap if you’ve not had enough of the place. Just remember those tide times… - TIP 1. Seasonal Secrets: Summer months are busiest, but even so try to nab one of the 40 rooms on island and stay the night. Once everyone has departed for the mainland you are left completely cut off with only two pubs and a starry sky to keep you busy. - TIP 2. Tech Advice: There is no need for GPS here; keep the ocean on your right at all times and you’ll come back to where you started! - TIP 3. The Money Shot: Running across the causeway (just under a mile in length) at sunset, splashing through the salty puddles is an experience to saviour, as long as you’ve got your timings right. If not, you better be able to run fast. - TIP 4. Pit Stop: Lindisfarne Mead is a unique alcoholic fortified wine manufactured here on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne from fermented white grapes, honey, herbs, the pure natural water from the island's artesian well-fortified with fine spirits. Monks were making it back in the 7th Century, so it’s had time to mature and is well worth a taste.