Day 15: Belford to Lindisfarne

We head north-west out of Belford and climb to over 500 feet above sea-level which is our greatest elevation since the first two days in the North York Moors. Thereafter we follow St Cuthbert's Way and are soon heading for the coast. We recross the A1 and the railway line and similar arrangements to yesterday will apply. We reach the causeway just after the tide has gone out far enough for it to open, and make haste to our destination. The early start today is in order to maximise our time on Holy Island. In the evening, before our celebration service, we have the option to attend the parish evensong.

With numbers hitting 75, the largest band of pilgrims in recent years, it took an extra special effort to get the van packed for the final time.

We prepared ourselves for our last days walking of the whole pilgrimage, looking forward to reaching our destination.

But before we could get on our way, the usual housework needed to be done.

Our co-ordinator and the leader of the day, Aidan, set off from Belford after he and his crack team had quickly arrowed to the first prayer stop...

...at St. Mary's Church just up the road.

After such an early start, bleary eyed pilgrims made their way into the church in good time.

The vicar took us through a short service revolving around St. Aidan, his feast being in just 2 days time.

After this, Pat spoke on behalf of Anne about the deaf and hard of hearing and all Anne had done in their own community.

With Aidan out frontmarking, deputy Peter gives new pilgrim Stevie his cross.

And so, in the glorious but still quite chilly dawn, we set off with no intention to stop until the causeway onto Holy Island.

We began to weave our way through the countryside...

...climbing many stiles in style.

Not to mention kissing gates too.

After a short way we paused for drinks...

...and bacon butties we didn't have time for with breakfast.

The scenery changed as we neared the Cheviot hills to the west.

Turning north east we headed out of the hills and back towards the flat coastline and the sea.

Down in the village of Fenwick pilgrims gathered so as to walk the remaining miles together.

It was also a good chance to have a snack as lunch would not be until later.

Pilgrims, especially Nick, were in good spirits.

Our safety crew, clad in fluorescent jackets to guide us across the A1 and East Coast railway line, prepared themselves as we walked on together.

With assistance from a support car, pilgrims made it safely across the busy A1 without any incidents.

Pilgrims on the tail of the front markers, an unusual sight to see.

Jonny decides interestingly angled photos will add a bit of drama to the website. (Note the resemblance to the evolution of man.)

We continued "together" however some gaps did appear: Peter must have been setting a record speed.

We had good views of Holy Island as we approached.

We descended to our second challenge of the day.

The East Coast railway, where trains pass at speeds of over 100mph, caused us to gather and phone the signal box to obtain permission to cross.

Most pilgrims crossed over quickly in groups of 15, but 6 remained for two trains to pass.

One from the south...

...and one from the north.

The final pilgrims crossed...

...and we continued on our way.

We arrived at the causeway to meet various members of the support team...

...before heading along the road in crocodile fashion.

We moved onto the sand to follow closer to the official pilgrim route to the island.

The route wasn't quite as dry as Clare had promised but nothing major.

John the van driver joined us for the final few miles.

Patrick, being his usual self, decided to take a shorter but rather wetter route - up to his middle.

Look, pilgrims!

Some fancy silhouetted pilgrims here. (It's not the pilgrims who are fancy.)

Father David joined us with the ceremonial walking stick as we reached the island.

William, Patrick's younger brother, let him test the water first before he himself followed the same route.

Reaching the beach, we paused for a group photo.

After this, pilgrims were left to their own devices to explore the island and its attractions, including the castle.

Inside the priory ruins, the viking camp is visible, preventing us from entering.

We headed to the parish church of St. Mary's for evensong, followed by our own celebration of the eucharist, at which we prayed for all those we had encountered on our route.

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties [Aidan's camera resolutely displaying "error" and refusing to function], we have no evidence of this or the procession that followed back to the SVP camp. If anyone has any photos of this they would be greatly appreciated!

Photos of this evening's events will be posted along with our journey home tomorrow.