Pictures of Holystone

About Holystone

The countryside around these parts is hauntingly beautiful, it is an ageless area that is said to go back to the early days of christianity.

The attractive village of Holystone is surrounded by all that is ancient. History tells us that the holy well was used by the Romans and that christians were baptised there. A priory was founded there in the year 1100, the Nun's dedicated it to St.Mary the Virgin, hence the well remains known to this day as the Lady's Well.

From its wonderful position on the sparkling River Coquet, this famous area is perhaps best explored on foot. There are various Forestry Commission walks in Holystone and all are well signposted and reveal to the walker the diverse delights of not just the Holy Well but an Iron Age Hill Fort, a rippling waterfall and beautifull wooded glens are all there waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

There is a strong Celtic influence around here and local folklore tells of fairies, elves and goblins, dancing and feasting just as the summer sun is setting on a point above Dove Crag Burn where clear waters tumble over rocks and boulders. The atmosphere here is magical and it is easy to imagine these mythical people having a fine time!

Another walk leads to Lanternside, site of an Iron Age settlement where timber palisades topped 2,500 year old ridges to protect the huts of the village that lay beneath. A stroll in another direction reaches a glade amidst trees that encloses the large square well. The well was repaired some 200 years ago when a Celtic Cross was placed in the centre and a medieval statue of a bearded, long robed man was set beside the water. It is believed the statue was brought all the way from Alnwick.

There is a rare beauty and peace to be found in this ancient region, it is full of myths and mystery, dense forests, high crags and burns, springs, rivers and magical waterfalls. The air is clear and fresh, it is an uplifting place that refreshes the inner spirit and leaves you feeling tranquil and at peace with all the bounties that nature doth provide.