Lindisfarne Castle and Straight Lonnen Walk

Taking some time to explore the beauty of the Lindisfarne Castle and Straight Lonnen Walk is an amazing experience; however, you will need to ensure that you time your walk with low tide so that you can access the Holy island via the causeway. Additionally, there is a bit of rugged terrain along the coast, so be sure to wear proper walking boots. Lastly, if you are planning on visiting either the English Heritage site of Lindisfarne Priory, or the National Trust operated Lindisfarne Castle, you will likely want to book your tickets in advance.

Although there is a fee to access these two amazing sites, their historical beauty can still be admired from the trail if you would simply rather stick to the walking route around the island. In addition to experiencing the fascinating history of early Christian and Medieval Britain, you will also be able to take in the natural beauty of this small tidal island and the stunning coastal landscape, making for an exceptional day out on the trails no matter what the details of your itinerary are.

Setting out from the trailhead in the heart of Holy Island village, you will make your way south along Crossgate Lane while taking in some nice views of the village streets. Arriving at an intersection with Church Lane, you will keep straight to pass by the Lindisfarne Priory museum, where you will make your way between the historic 11th Century priory and the Church of St Mary.

Reaching the edge of Mustard Close, turn left and follow the road south, where you will pick up a path on the left in 335ft. Here, you will make your way along the water’s edge, enjoying some beautiful views of the sea on your right and the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory on your left.

After passing by the Heugh Hill Lighthouse and a small boat yard, you will walk along the edge of Holy Island Beach on your right, eventually meeting up with a road that will take you to the east. Here, you will come to the National Trust site of the impressive 16th Century fortification of Lindisfarne Castle, as well as some nearby lime kilns that are also operated by the National Trust.

Once you have explored this historic area, you will round Castle Point and head to the north along the coast, enjoying some breathtaking views across the expansive North Sea, before arriving at another headland known as Emmanuel head. From here, the trail will bend to the southwest to offer some nice views of Sandham Bay and the beach, before traversing the dunes towards the open farmland.

Just after the Dunes, you will meet up with Straight Lonnen and follow it to the southwest, passing through the beautiful countryside on the way back into the village. After passing by St Aidan’s Roman Catholic Church, you will turn left onto Chare Ends and follow it south to return to the starting point of the Lindisfarne Castle and Straight Lonnen Walk.

Trail Highlights

Lindisfarne Castle

Located in the southeast corner of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland, Lindisfarne Castle is a fortification that dates back to the 16th Century and was later turned into a family home by the architect Sir Edward Lutyens in 1901. Constructed on a hill called Beblowe Crag – the highest point of the island – between 1570-1572, the castle partially utilized stones from nearby ruined priories. The island is only accessible via a causeway at low tide.

Lindisfarne Priory

Dating back to the 11th Century, Lindisfarne Priory, located on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, was a Benedictine monastery constructed by William of St Calais, the first Norman Bishop of Durham. The location of the priory on Lindisfarne was chosen due to the religious importance of the island, as it was also the site of a much older monastery that dated to the 7th Century. Here, St Aidan arrived from Iona in 634 and founded the monastery, while St Cuthbert would later come to be the Bishop of Lindisfarne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Lindisfarne Castle?

Since 1944, Lindisfarne Castle has been in the care of the National Trust and the site is open to visitors.

Can you stay overnight on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne?

Although it seems like a remote destination, there are actually a fair number of options if you are looking for accommodation on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which include hotels, B&Bs, and cottages.