Good Friday Crossing

Joining Northern Cross for the crossing of the tidal Pilgrim’s Causeway to Holy Island

Good Friday morning, 11:00 am 29th March 2024.
For those who are interested in walking over the sands with us, you should be aware that our method of crossing has altered in recent years. This year, with just two legs running, and a smaller number of pilgrims, if the weather is mild, dry, and calm, we will aim to join together at Beal Sands and cross as a single group. However, if the weather is cold / wet / windy, each leg will begin crossing as soon as they arrive on Beal Sands. These Leg groups will start Good Friday walking from their overnight halts. If you wish to walk that earlier (mainland) section with us, please book in the usual way by using our contact form.

The Pilgrim’ crossing:
Pilgrims will be walking from Beal Sands, south of Berwick on Tweed, [coordinates 55.677768,-1.875531, map location as below], and pilgrims will start the walking crossing of the tidal sands from this point at latest 11:45am on 29th March 2023. In the event of cold / wet / windy weather, each group of Pilgrims will set off as soon as they are ready, which may be any time from 10:30 to 11:45.

We have prepared a briefing note for the Good Friday crossing arrangements; click here to download it [PDF]; [timing and arrangements last updated March 2023]


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‘Non-pilgrims’ are certainly welcome to walk with us crossing the sands, but you must either liaise with an individual Leg group (contacts in the briefing note above) or be at Beal Sands ready to join by the ‘departure window’ times listed above at the latest. (Please note that there is no longer a car park at Beal Sands. You may find it convenient to park earlier in the Lindisfarne visitors car park, and walk back across the road causeway to join us.) In walking the crossing, YOU must accept full responsibility for yourself and any dependents with you, as there are a number of risks: We have a careful risk assessment of the activity, as there are quick sands, it does take a long time. In some years the weather can make it so cold that we have to make sure some people do not get hypothermia! (those with low BMI, and children, are particularly at risk, and we recommend they do not walk with us in cold / wet / windy weather). Other years it is warm and sunny and people get sunburnt, but the key is that the mud and quick sands are an issue if children are not kept an eye on.

You must obey the directions of the Northern Cross marshalls (in fluorescent yellow jackets) if choosing to walk with us.

If you are a non-pilgrim, you must accept that you will cross the tidal causeway at your own risk and that you will not be covered by our public liability insurance.

On the good side, if it is a nice day, you should really enjoy it!

Please feel free to stay or return to Lindisfarne over the weekend and join in the Easter services in the various churches.

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