The Coast 

Coquet Island

Today Coquet Island is a rocky seabird sanctuary. A Benedictine monastery, subordinate to Tynemouth Priory was founded here, opposite the mouth of the Coquet river. Fragments of the old buildings, converted for the use of Trinity House in 1840, still remain. You are not allowed to land here, but an RSPB boat runs out from Amble in summer.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 1 mile north towards Edinburgh; turn right onto the unclassified road 1/2 mile east; bear right onto the B6345 4 miles east towards Acklington; at Acklington stay on the B6345 1/4 mile east; bear right onto the B1339 1 mile east towards Broomhill; at Broomhill turn left onto the B6345 2 miles north to Amble-by-the-Sea.   Coquet Island lies offshore, there are boats to it in season. Estimated driving time, 32 minutes plus ferry time.

Lindisfarne

The original religious establishment on romantic Holy Island (Lindisfarne) was founded before the middle of the 7th-century.  Oswald, King of Northumbria, had become a Christian and invited missionaries from Iona, giving them a settlement at Lindisfarne. Their president, St Aidan, is said to have baptised 15,000 converts in seven days. One of them, St Eata, evangelised Tweedside and Tweedsdale and founded the first ecclesiastical establishment at Melrose. St Cuthbert, the 5th President after St Aidan, left traces of his name throughout Northumbria and beyond.

Holy Island became a great place of pilgrimage. At the Reformation the island was given to the Dean and Chapter of Durham cathedral. The evocative ruins are in the care of English Heritage, and open all year. The island can only be reached at low tide. Tel: 0128989 200.

The Farne Islands provide a summer home for over 17 species of sea birds. The Inner Farne and Staple Islands are only open to visitors (who are advised to wear hats!) at limited times. Check with the Seahouses Information Centre, 01665 721099. Warden 01665 720651.

The 62-mile St Cuthbert's Way runs between Melrose and Lindisfarne. This long distance footpath includes a wide variety of scenery including the Eildon and Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland moors. Further details are available from the Walking Development Officer, Scottish Border Enterprise, Bridge Street, Galashiels Tdj 15W. Estimated driving time, 68 minutes.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 north; turn right onto the unclassified Bywell/Felton road 3 miles east; turn left onto the Al 5 miles north towards Edinburgh; at Newton stay on the Al 13 miles north towards Edinburgh; at north towards Charlton stay on the Al 15 miles north towards Edinburgh; turn right onto the unclassified road to Beal and Lindisfarne. No crossing at high tide.

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