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Farne Islands Anchorages and Lindisfarne (Holy Island), brief notes on Seahouses Harbour
Courtesy Flag
Flag, Red EnsignWaypoint
None GivenCharts
Admiralty 111, 1612Rules & Regulations
Unknown, No Landing on many of the Farnes, see text.Hazards
Lots of submerged Reefs and Rocks, Strong TidesTidal Data Times & Range
Holy Island MHWS 4.8m, MHWN 3.7m, MLWN 1.5m, MLWS 0.6This site is designed for slower, roaming broadband connections, like you would get at sea, so it needs JavaScript enabled to expand the text. Click here to show the fully expanded version
General Description
The Farne Islands (also referred to less formally as the Farnes) are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland, England. There are between 15 to 20 or more islands depending on the state of the tide.
They are scattered about 1 1/2–4 3/4 miles distant from the mainland, divided into two groups, the Inner Group and the Outer Group. The main islands in the Inner Group are Inner Farne, Knoxes Reef and the East and West Wideopens (all joined together on very low tides) and (somewhat separated) the Megstone; the main islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar and the Longstone. The two groups are separated by Staple Sound. The highest point, on Inner Farne, is 19 metres (62 feet) above mean sea level.
They are uninhabited except for the wardens during the summer, and landing by boat is not allowed anywhere other than Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone. The area is owned by the National trust.
They are absolutely teeming with wildlife, including a large colony of seals and various seabirds (a bit like a Northumbrian version of the Galapagos Islands). For the visiting yachtsman or motorboater there are various anchorages to be had in this area, and for those who like being at one with nature it's perfect. There are no facilities whatsoever, the nearest harbour being Seahouses (also called North Sunderland) on the mainland.
The Farne Islands are very popular with divers, and are workable in most conditions with several wrecks to investigate. ... read more
Approach
Tidal streams need due consideration while navigating in this area. If just passing by it is necessary to give Longstone at the northern extremity of the Farne Islands a very good offing to the north-east. Closer in the stream can attain rates of 4 kn complete with tidal eddies. This can all be avoided by keeping at least a couple miles off.
Tidal streams in the area start their northward trek 1.5 hours after high water, and the South going flood starts 1.5 hours after low water. Pilotage Details: ... read more
Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring
Anchorages round the Farnes centre on Inner Farne Island, and are best seen by reference to the chart (and photos). At Lindisfarne the yachtsman or motorboater can find an anchorage and also limited facilities ashore..Full details:
The Kettle is a deep water hole lying to the north-east off Inner Farne Island. The tide can run strongly through the gutway between W.Wideopen Island and Inner Farne, unsurprisingly called Wideopen Gut. Access to the Kettle Anchorage can also be had through this gutway but only near the top of the tide. ... read more
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