We set off early this morning to arrive at the landward side of the Lindisfarne causeway for 7.30 AM, bang on high water. After leaving one car at Berwick we made our way down, and for once got our timing spot on. The tide was just hanging static at the top of the road, cutting the Island off from the mainland. We unloaded the boats, launched and quickly paddled down the road, heading for the main channel.
The main tidal channel runs under this bridge at low tide, the refuge shelter is there for those that get it wrong and have to abandon their cars until the tide ebbs . Believe it or not it does happen, frequently !
We then headed South and made our way out through the channel towards Guile Point, passing by the poles marking the ancient pilgrims path.
With the tide in our favour we were soon rounding the South of the Island , crossing some good looking ground, well worth a cast on a smaller tide. Not today though, the tide was now ripping out through here at 3 Knts.
Guile point with it’s two Navigation towers, East Old Law and West Old law. Two decommissioned brick obeliscs that were once the main navigation source for the tidal channel.
Lindisfarne Castle perched upon Beblowe Craig, this landmark can be seen from miles away and is still maintained and kept in good order.
Our last waypoint on Lindisfarne soon came into sight, the white brick pyramid built on Emmanuel head. This was one of the first daymark beacons built on mainland Britain. It was built between 1801 and 1810 by Trinity House.
We went ashore for a quick bite to eat before tackling the second part of the trip. Rod’s now tackled up we set a course for Berwick. This was to be a challenging open water crossing as we opted to take the direct route rather than hugging the coast line. It was a fine day for the job though with only a light offshore breeze to hinder our progress. It did freshen a bit at one stage so a few adjustments to the course were made and the gear was leashed down for a few miles. We put ashore once we reached Scremerston beach, the rods were re-rigged ready to wet a line on more familiar territory.
I shoved the Dorado back into the sea and turned to see if Brian was behind me. Just at this point a small breaker caught the kayak beam on and tipped it over. I was standing next to it and just righted it again thinking nothing of it. I was soon to discover though that the rod holder containing the rod had pulled out of it’s cut out and broken the fibreglass around the fitting…..
Dorado owners beware, a definite weekness !! I’m sure I read somewhere that this has happened before.
Anyway, after a few drifts over a couple of reefs I managed to secure tonight’s tea….
Brian connected with a couple of decent Wrasse as well….
We made for the shore and called it a day. A good 17 mile trip and a couple of fish for the pot.
Neil.
