Lying off the north eastern coast of England there are a series of rocky islands. These are really a continuation of the rocky Whin Sill. That geological feature runs along the spine of much of northern England. From the Northumbrian shoreline they may not be much to look at but don't be taken in. These isles have much to offer the visitor with the will to explore them further. One of the best ways to get to see what the Farnes have to offer is a sea cruise from Seahouses.
Billy Shiels Offers Boat Trips Around all the Islands
One of the longest established cruise operators working from this area is Billy Shiel. It was the present Billy Shiel's grandfather who first started taking birdwatchers to the islands just after World War 1. After a morning hauling crabs and lobster they would take keen birders out to see the magnificent seabird spectacle on the Farnes. The present Billy Shiel runs an entire fleet of boats from the bustling Northumbrian port of Seahouses
Climb on Board a Blue Boat for a Unique Wildlife Experience
Billy Shiel's boats have a distinct blue and white livery. The entire fleet are all called Glad Tidings and also have an identifying number. In season these boats seem to be absolutely everywhere as they hurry about their trade of taking folk to and from the islands. It is unlikely that anybody knows these islands better than the Shiel family. It is reassuring to know that this seafaring family has been running travellers out to and around these rock skerries for over ninety years.
It was off These Islands that Grace Darling Saved the Crew of a Stricken Ship
In the 1820s Grace Darling's father was keeper of the lighthouse on Longstone Island. One stormy September night the paddle steamer SS Forfarshire ran aground on the Big Harcar rock. Grace and her father bravely faced the storm to pick up the stricken survivors of the wreck. This was no mean feat in an open rowing boat. Grace and her father were both awarded medals for their daring rescue bid. Today the red and white automated lighthouse still stands on Longstone but there is no longer anyone there to come to future aid of stricken mariners.
The Farnes are Home to a Large Colony of Grey Seals
It is rather ironic that the Farnes, sitting as the do on the North Sea coastline, are home to a flourishing colony of Atlantic grey seals. These mammals haunt the the rocky skerries and beaches of the islands. Each autumn the females come ashore to have their lovely doe eyed pups. During this short time ashore they also breed with the huge bulls. In the tourist season Billy Sheil's Cruises run a special one-and-a-half-hour cruise to see these special mammals up close.
In Summer Seabirds is What The Farne Islands is All About.
The seabird spectacle of a Farne Island season is an experience you will treasure. Land on Inner Farne, which was once a hermit refuge for St Cuthbert. Dodge the dive bombing of the terns by wearing a hat. Eider duck sit tight on nest as you walk to the lighthouse cliffs. There guillemots, kittwate, razorbills mingle with shags and fulmars. The whole face is alive with birds and on the island itself the iconic puffins add to the vibrant wildlife spectacle. Yes the Farnes are a rather special place.
Dave McFadzean - Based in southwest Scotland I have been a freelance travel writer and photographer for nearly two decades. Building up a strong market for ...
