Pilgrims battered by storms

Mar 22 2008 The Journal

PILGRIMS completed their quickest ever annual crossing to Holy Island in 30 years yesterday as they were lashed by wind and rain.

Northern Cross is an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage to Lindisfarne which takes place every year in Holy Week, dating back to 1976.

Pilgrims carry crosses and descend on the Cradle of Christianity from four different starting points across England and Scotland to arrive on Good Friday.

A total of 40 people gathered at Beal at 9.30am yesterday for the final stage of their journey – the crossing of the Pilgrim’s Causeway.

Despite the weather, the walkers were welcomed by 10-15 supporters from Holy Island and further afield who join them for the crossing every year.

With conditions so bad, participants put on extra layers of clothing and completed a walk which would normally take an hour and a half in 45 minutes.

Most years, the pilgrims wash their feet in the sea and sing as they cross but the weather yesterday meant they made straight for the island’s St Vincent de Paul hostel, where they are staying for the Easter weekend.

They delayed their arrival service to enjoy a cup of tea and a hot shower.

Event co-ordinator Judy Guy-Briscoe, from London, said: “It has been a spectacular crossing. The weather was the worst I have ever seen it.

“We have never ever walked across as quickly.

“It has been a brilliant success. It affirms the Christian faith. Easter is the most important part of the Christian calendar.

“We come here because the scenery is beautiful and we get a lovely welcome.”

There were four groups for this year’s event, each carrying crosses. One came from Carlisle, 120 miles away, another from Lanark, a journey of approximately 110-115 miles, a third from Haddington, around 70 miles, and a fourth from Melrose.

Walkers sing and pray as they go and stay at churches and village halls along the way. They join local people for worship and often supporters join them for parts of their journey.

The groups set off yesterday from Lowick, Etal, Belford and Wooler. The Etal group departed at 3.30am, calling at Lowick to meet the Haddington group for breakfast, before resuming at 7.15am.

A prayer service was held at Beal before the final part of the journey.

Pilgrims hold Easter activities on Holy Island until tomorrow morning. They will then pack up and leave before the tide comes in at 1.30pm.

The Northern Cross event has taken place in its current format every year except for 2001, when foot-and-mouth struck. That year, pilgrims abandoned the cross-country walk to respect farmers’ wishes but still gathered on the beach at Lindisfarne.