Since writing the last post I have realised that my excitement about landing on Lindisfarne was premature – we actually have one more walk to do before our two night stay on the Holy Island. And this is it…..

Dropped off in the hamlet of Ross we make our way up the lane, heading for the coast – the weather looks a little unpredictable.

A path winds through the dunes flanked by (and I’m sticking my neck out here) Rose Bay Willow Herb. I would like some in our garden but they obviously like sandy soil and we have sticky London clay.

After a short slog through the soft sand we come to the fence that marks the edge of the nature reserve. Closing the gate behind us we turn left, looking around to see if the young warden we met last time is still here – he is but not quite so chatty this time. He is however able to tell us where to turn off the beach to join the coast path.

Off we go……………….another fabulous beach.

About a mile on we come to Ross Point where the path curves around to the left to then run along the edge of an expanse of wetlands threaded with narrow ribbons of water. One of these has been named Stinking Goat – not an ideal picnic spot methinks.

The landscape now opens up to empty grasslands – far away across the water, Lindisfarne Castle appears on the horizon.

A while later the path disintegrates and we are forced to walk on pebbles or sticky mud – these plants look familiar …………….

Haven’t I seen them on display in posh food markets? Yes it is samphire – such a delightful name, straight out of a fairy-tale. I’m surprised it isn’t used more often for a girl – I mean we’ve got Sage, Rosemary, Saffron and Ginger – why not Samphire?

Reaching higher ground we pass a curious herd of cows on the crest of the hill, lined up like Braveheart’s warriors, ready for the order to charge – I think I’ve been reading too many accounts of attacks by belligerent cattle.

Damian is of course channelling his Doctor Dolittle inclinations…….

We move on, past a boarded up summer let ………….

And up the hill to an encampment of sturdy looking bell tents, occupied by a group of Christian youth – no doubt planning to pay homage to the seat of Christianity that is Lindisfarne, and have themselves a jolly good time too.

We are now very hungry and ready for a pint ,so we take a diagonal route through the fields, over a footbridge and climb a fence to take us onto the road up to Beal where our car is parked. TOMORROW we go to Lindisfarne.

Distance: 10 miles