This lavishly illustrated book explores the early history and significance of the Lindisfarne Gospels, widely regarded as the finest surviving Anglo-Saxon manuscript of the early Christian era in England, and an unquestioned masterpiece of medieval calligraphy and illumination.
St Cuthbert's Way runs from Melrose in the Scottish borders to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, off the coast of Northumberland. This new Pilgrims' Companion presents information essential for walking the Way, a field guide to places of interest along the route, an introduction to St Cuthbert and his time, songs, meditations and stories together with ideas and resources for a contemporary pilgrimage experience.
The first historical novel about Cuthbert, much-loved saint of the North, a one-time warrior whose destiny it was to reconcile the warring parties in the early English Church.
Love of nature is often said to be one of the characteristic features of Celtic Christianity. This work describes how native beliefs about nature were rejected, transformed or restated as the peoples of early medieval Ireland and the Hebrides made Christianity their own. With close reference to the literature of the period it examines the importance of land, hills and mountains, water, trees, fire, the sun and the elements in early Christian and biblical imagery. At a time when Celtic Christianity is increasingly romanticized, this work sets out to put the subject back onto a solid scholarly footing.
A guidebook to 36 walks exploring Northumberland, including the national park, coast, North Pennines and Kielder. Route are graded by difficulty and cover a wide variety of terrain. The walks, accessible from bases such as Alnwick, Rothbury and Hexham, range from 7 to 22km (4–14 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–7 hours. 1:50,000 OS maps included for each walk Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket Notes on refreshments and public transport Local points of interest including Hadrian’s Wall Information on the region’s rich geology, history and wildlife
This guidebook provides 45 day walks in the Scottish Borders. Separated into six sections, these walks are divided between the north and south Cheviots, Tweed, Ettrick, Moffat and Manor hills and feature main centres including Wooler, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles and Moffat. The guide's seventh section outlines long distance routes, including a walk along the Border from Gretna to Berwick-on-Tweed. The Scottish Borders are rich in both history and geology. These walks explore many historical sites, from Iron Age forts on hillsides to bastles and towers dating from the Border Reivers era. The stunning and varied scenery is a result of complex geological processes; a visit to Dobb's Linn showcases preserved fossils, while the coastline at St Abbs Head features iconic folded rock formations which are home to a myriad of birds including guillemots. Each walk features 1:50,000 OS mapping, comprehensive route description and plenty of information about points of interest along the route. The walks are graded and can be easily customised with alternative start points, route variants and shortcuts. The guide's introduction offers plenty of practical information about how to get there and where to stay, while the appendices list useful contacts and tourist information centres.
By walking all the way through Scotland from Kirk Yetholm in the Borders to Cape Wrath in the far North-West, author and broadcaster Cameron McNeish witnesses at first hand the changes that have taken place in the landscapes of the country of his birth. The book is gloriously illustrated throughout by the photographs of landscape photographer Richard Else. It is a lavish book to keep and treasure. A celebration of all that's best about Scotland.
A tale of violence and intrigue, revenge and reconciliation – and of true love lost and found. Set in the ninth century at the time of the Viking invasions, Place of Repose follows the flight of St Cuthbert's monks from Lindisfarne and their turbulent journey in search of a new home for the saint.
In To the Island of Tides, Alistair Moffat travels to – and through the history of – the fated island of Lindisfarne. Known by the Romans as Insula Medicata and famous for its monastery, it even survived Viking raids. Today the isle maintains its position as a space for retreat and spiritual renewal. Walking from his home in the Borders, through the historical landscape of Scotland and northern England, Moffat takes us on a pilgrimage in the footsteps of saints and scholars, before arriving for a secular retreat on the Holy Isle. To the Island of Tides is a walk through history, a meditation on the power of place, but also a more personal journey; and a reflection on where life leads us.