We spend some time trying to find a place to park on the narrow minor road, having just been told in no uncertain terms that we cannot park in the big EMPTY yard outside the cottage. But just down the road we slide into a layby overlooking Cocklawburn Beach and strap on our boots.

The coast path indicates road walking but we decide to drop down on to the sands and see how far we can get.- down on to the wet sand, where it’s easier to keep a foothold.

About a mile down the beach a path leads up into an area of sand dunes where I lose sight of Damian for a while – he walks faster than me and I’m always stopping to take photographs.

Reunited we carry on through the dunes – there are lots of small paths and it’s potluck which one we follow as long as it’s going in the right direction. The usual remnants of military defences line the path.

And here local people have taken the time to adorn a concrete slab with seashells – a variation on the custom of building cairns.

Further on, at a place called North Low we cross a footbridge over a narrow ribbon of water which takes us out of the dunes and back to what is now an enormous expanse of sand – the sea is over a a mile away.

After a quick lunch on a welcoming memorial bench, close to a cluster of houses, we follow the path into another area of dunes which gradually merges into grassy flatlands. We then cross a sluice and head for Beal Point where the causeway to Lindisfarne can be seen in the distance.

Perched high above the causeway is one of the two refuge huts which may save you from a cold watery fate.

Between 10 and 15 vehicles have to be rescued every year…….

I cannot remember how long I have wanted to visit Lindisfarne, but it’s a destination that’s been in my mind for years. And tomorrow is the day! I am so excited.

Distance: 8 miles