On a Mission - Messengers of God's Gift of Love - Lindisfarne 2009

Day 13: Alnwick to Seahouses

This day’s walk leaves the beautiful market town of Alnwick alongside the river with fine views of the Castle. The route then passes across country paths and a gated lane to join the coastal path at the spectacular bay of Howdiemont Sands. We then continue along the Northumberland Heritage Coast, taking in Craster, which is famous for its smokehouse (Should we pick up kippers for tomorrow’s breakfast?) and the spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Caroline and Roger await the start of our Eucharist, upstairs from our sleeping quarters in St James' URC Centre..

Michael and Susan, today's leaders, read the lesson and psalm.

Father David celebrated, with the various accoutrements of this pilgrimage: the Kenyan walking stick, the prayer intentions box, and the "special" offertory gifts.

We were soon leaving the URC centre, probably the most comfortable night's sleep of the pilgrimage.

Our route out ran alongside the river Aln, a pleasant stroll for Sarah and Mark.

Across the river was Hogwarts (aka Alnwick Castle).

Danny and David catch up.

Patrick... (say no more)

Euan, Jonny and Callum play catch up (having taken the wrong path).

Drinks stop at Longhoughton...

Caroline and John were also there.

The vicar (who we met at Alnmouth) welcomed us warmly.

Maureen led the reflection.

David tells Fred the wonders of his sun block.

A little dog joined us, was nicknmed "Bundles", and was made an honorary pilgrim.

Kay, Joan and Bernie find amusement on the road.

I must go down to the sea again...

John and Catherine with Ann down the hill.

The rocky foreshore

Pilgrims cross a river running into the sea.

Catherine and David admire the view.

Lunch in the garden of the Jolly Fisherman at Craster.

Imelda and Mary hide from a few drops of rain.

The youngsters presented a dramatic reflection in the grounds of the church.

Patrick tries to bring Howard back from the dead.

A lady came with the key and told us about the church (and we sang To be a Pilgrim).

A modern window donated by the Craster family.

OH SARAH!

Danny, Peter and Catherine are not sure about the weather.

David, Ann, Pat and Marie head for Dunstanburgh Castle.

Dropping down to the long, sandy beach.

Walking the beach - hoping the tide stays away!

...as we had to paddle back to the main beach.

At the end of the beach we turned inland past the pub to the Tin Tabernacle church of St Mary's, Newton by the Sea.

The altar.

Jack shouts "Halleluia!"

The vicar talks to day planner Susan.

Roger is happy - as always.

Off through the sand dunes again, Paul at the front.

Godwin and Ann take up the lead.

Back onto the beach for another long stretch.

Peter (who has been reunited with his clothes which were collected by the back markers as he swam) and Doug

Patrick tries to arrow a wild bull.

Over a little bridge as we approach the hall an the end of our longest day.