Farne Islands

JSP · 22 June 2009, 19:43

Couple of years ago I went with a few mates to the Farne Islands to photograph the puffins (didn't get any photos' coz some idiot left thier battery's at home

) but had a great weekend. Paid allot of money to the boat to go over.

Does anyone know if you need a permit to land at the islands ?
Photo by Brian W
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianwaugh/

Cookee · 23 June 2009, 07:33

Visiting the area in September on the way to Edinburgh Castle for a wedding - taking the dog and staying in a cottage for a few days on the way up - if anyone has any tips including dog friendly pubs with great food that would be a big help!

Thanks!

m chappelow · 23 June 2009, 08:30

i think some islands may be off limits at certain times of year ie staple and brownsman owing to breeding of bird /seals try phoning local nat trust 01665 720651 at least they should be able to tell you as they run it or own it ,though no doubt they will give you all the , its a dangerous place to be if your not a local and promote recomend the local sightseeing trip boats,though with the amount of diving clubs using ribs in the area i am sure a few have had landed and had a walk about at times ,

willk · 23 June 2009, 13:49

As I recall, Bogib is another Ribnetter who is very fond of puffins.

He's reckons they're a lot like duck, but oilier......

blueboy758 · 23 June 2009, 13:58

now then people, i spend alot of time at the farnes diving as i also have a static caravan there. the main island you can land on if you are members of the national trust though they can be funny if you take your own boat there.

the best island to land on is longstone (island furthest out) all though be very carefull if landing at low tide, keep close to longstone island as it's deepest at the wall. anymore info just send me a pm.

and the puffins with the seals are great! hope you have fun.

phil

JSP · 23 June 2009, 14:06

Thanks for the replies folks. Couple of mates have just been again and enjoyed it all except one who ended up with a masty gash on his forehead after being dive bombed by a Tern

The little buggers hurt!

Phil, thanks for the info.

jwalker · 24 June 2009, 10:06

..

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueboy758

.... though they can be funny if you take your own boat there.

the best island to land on is longstone (island furthest out) all though be very carefull if landing at low tide, ...

I'll second Phil's observations and beware overfalls at some states of tide...

diverdad · 24 June 2009, 12:11

Hi, I was out there just last Saturday, I launched my little Zodiac from the the beach at beadnell called Knacker hole.
My Daughter the missus and I went to the inner farne, we stopped because one of the floorboards had popped and I wanted to fix it.
Within seconds there was a young man stood next to me on one of the three concrete jetty's asking what my intentions were.
He explained that to keep the disruption top the birds to a minimum they only permit access after 13:30, (I can't remember until what time).
He said we were welcome to stay put and fix the floor boards but we were not to access the island until the stated time, (it was 12:00).
We put the floor boards back and had some lunch then waited until 13:30.
If you are a member of the National Trust access is free, we are not so we had to pay £5.80 for adults and £2.90 for children.
I can only say the afternoon was fantastic, you have to stay within the roped off footpath but this is not a problem as terns are nesting on the footpath and you have to watch your step!!
They are not happy at the visitors and I advise any visitor to wear a hat at the very least, a crash helmet would be appropreate!!
They also managed to crap on me!!
You can get right up to the birds and there is good variety.
The weather was co-operating and this made for a fantastic day.
The Zidiac performed flawlessly even though it has not been used in over a year, (although the tubes are starting to come away at the transome).
The missus got some good pictures she is intending to frame.
I recommend you get there early if you have your own boat as when the tourist boats get there they carry a lot of people and the place can get busy.

Pictures to follow
Lee

Nick · 25 June 2009, 00:30

Best Pub matching your request in the area is at Newton by the Sea. Can't remember the name of it but there is only one pub there and it is a tiny village. Right next to a beautiful big beach, great food, dogs allowed in the pub,

Cookee · 26 June 2009, 07:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

Best Pub matching your request in the area is at Newton by the Sea. Can't remember the name of it but there is only one pub there and it is a tiny village. Right next to a beautiful big beach, great food, dogs allowed in the pub,