Day 14: Seahouses to Belford

This is the shortest day of the entire pilgrimage, so we get up one hour later than normal and have a two hour break for lunch, giving us time to explore Bamburgh Castle as well as partaking of lunch at the Castle Inn or another establishment of our choice. The crossings of the railway line and of the A1 will require pilgrims to gather into groups, as we head inland at the end of the day.

After a late rise, it's time to clear up...

...and load the van (again!).

A short walk across to St Paul's Church for our Eucharist.

William receives his cross.

Lauren reads the lesson.

Father David gives one of his (rather good) sermons.

The vicar demonstrates the multi-coloured coat.

Back markers preparing to leave.

The vicar waves us farewell.

Having crossed the fields, Bernie crosses a stile.

Looking forward to Bamburgh Castle with Lindisfarne beyond.

Peter is back with us for the last few days.

Across the beach - the sand was wet and firm, but drying: we all got seriously sandblasted.

Heading for Bamburgh.

We climbed the dunes...

...towards the castle.

Some ate their lunches on the benches near the castle (you can just about see Lindisfarne straight ahead here).

Others went to the pub and ate Craster kippers...

...or lobster salad.

Cheryl's husband Chris put in an appearance.

Katherine with her niece.

Usual suspects

Leaving the pub - view back to the Castle.

Grace Darling's tomb.

St Aidan's Church

The place where St Aidan died.

Colin leads our reflection.

Aidan was deep in thought.

Whilst we were in the church the heavens opened; we set out well wrapped up.

We followed the coast, with more good views, then climbed inland. Alison and Godwin chat as they walk.

Ann and Maureen deep in conversation.

Drink stop by the "Ducket"

Our big challenge was to cross the East Coast Main Line safely on a pedestrian crossing where trains pass in excess of 100mph.

We waited for a goods train to pass (hauled by a General Motors Class 66 in EWS Livery (Now owned By German State Railways subsidiary DB Schenker))...

..then another batch crossed.

Julia, Danny and Marie wait...

A passenger train hurries past. (Inter City 125 unit in National Express livery)

More pilgrims cross.

Another train (ex Virgin Voyager in Arriva Cross country livery).

More pilgrims run the gauntlet.

The Controller liasing with the signal box and holding / releasing pilgrims.

An arrow showing us the way within a mile from home.

Ania foolishly used her mobile to stir her tea. The phone didn't agree!