After far too many years I returned to an island that I had a close family connection with.
However, I only discovered that a few days before I boarded the ferry to Lundy Island!
Located around 12 miles off the coast of North Devon the 3 mile long island is famous for being home to a premier nest site for Puffins in the UK.
Puffins on Lundy Island.
The family connection was that my Grand Father was the engine room mechanic of the mail packet that serviced the island in the 1930’s. The Lerina.
Although my journey was taken on a much larger and certainly more modern version the MS Oldenburg.
Felix Augustus Abbott who lived in Appledore and where he brought up four daughters of which my mother Margaret was one of them. The others being Doris, Linda and Irene.
Grandad Was An Engineer On Former Island Ferry
He was the engineer on the Lerina on the 30 ton ship that could take just 12 passengers and vital island cargo.
Lerina mail ship from the 1930’s
Now the latest ship which was purchased in 1985 to replace the Polar Bear the ship that replaced the Lerina. In tonnage the Oldenburg is nearly ten times that of Lerina at 294 GT.
It can carry around 260 passengers today. Which sometimes includes animals. Plus even on our trip a Land Rover which had been off the island for a major repairs and service.
One of the island vehicles being unloaded on Lundy Island.
The Lundy ferry boat trip is certainly one of those one off travel experiences!
This was my second trip as a child of 6 or 7 I did it on the ‘Cardiff Queen’ very many years ago!
Fitness For The Trip
Whether it be the ferry journey over and back or indeed was what I did on a one day trip.
Definitely one where some degree of fitness is required.
Steep walk on arrival on Lundy Island.
The arrival being the main example. As getting to the top of the island requires an uphill hike to to the main accommodation are. Also the commercial trinity of shop, pub and church.
From the sea level to the main plateau you are talking about at least a 400 feet climb. Mostly up a steep paved and gravel incline.
Followed then by a series of rough stone staircases and a sloping field will get you to the village centre.
Marisco Tavern Lundy Island.
Not that stops others with less physical attributes as the Manager of the island related to me that they have blind and wheelchair visitors that sometimes stay.
Certainly they have a one story small home with shower rather than a bath offering more suitable disabled type accommodation.
Personally I found that being fairly fit is an certainly an asset to the overall enjoyment of the island.
Fit For Lundy Island Ferry
A trip to view the iconic Puffins for instance at The Battery required another climb. To locate the prime viewing place a steep climb down a switch-back uneven stone staircase was certainly rewarding.
Probably the closest location to the Puffin nesting area.
Welcome sign Lundy Island.
However, yet another steep climb to return to the top of the island once again. In a one day brief stay it was a little challenging in the allowed visiting time frame. But certainly if staying for several days then less so.
Many visitors were wearing walking shoes or boots which certainly aid as you explore this wild and unique location.
We arrived during a dry spell so the fields were firm and stable.
Walking clothes are ideal on Lundy Island.
The list of wild and animal life on this 3 mile by one kilometre wide island is quite amazing.
On land or in the air or even under the waves then its considerable.
Some times common and often plenty as its on migration routes for bird life rules in terms of numbers and diversity.
Tiny wheatears, finches, pipits, skylarks, stonechats, wagtails, more common ones like starlings sparrows, robins are part of the island fauna.
Hoopoe a rare visitor has been recorded on Lundy.
Even really rare birds like Golden Oriels and a Hoopoe have been recorded.
Rare Birds Are Visiting Lundy Island
The valley areas of the island are a top choice for mist netting, recording and ringing birds passing through.
Mist netting and ringing on Lundy.
However, its the Puffin’s that are the most popular with visitors they have been very much part of Lundy history.
Like the illegal island coinage that was produced or using them on stamps so they are the top birds of the island.
Above the seas surrounding the island then the seabirds like the Puffins are numerous. Rare Manx shearwaters who return to the island under cover of dark each night.
Guillemots, Razorbills even more common Herring Gulls, of course then Lesser Black-Backed Gulls along with Kittiwakes and Fulmars too.
Even under the water there are numerous seals to be found around the island.
Seals on watch.
Even waiting for the return ferry trip we were treated to see several Atlantic Grey Seals bobbing their heads out of the water.
Almost if they were seeing and thinking. What are the humans up to today?
Mammals range from the very tiny pygmy Shrew to the classic Highland cattle. Soay Sheep, Sika Deer, Rabbits and Goats.
Soay Sheep Lundy Island.
If climbing up more steps is your bag then the perfect answer is to head towards the Old Light Tower where there are 147 more to climb.
The Old Light, Lundy Island.
Stay On Lundy Island
Although this was taken out of service in the late 19th century as it was in fact too high on the island and was often obscured by fog. And then lower lights of South and North were built at each end of the island.
But staying there is and option too.
As are 22 other properties like a castle, cottages, towers, follies and even the St Helen’s church vestry is available.
St Helen’s church Vestry can be accommodation too on Lundy Island.
Having explored the island and sort some of my family history on this journey its certainly made me more curious about this island wildlife haven located off the North Devon coast.
Maybe next time I will opt for the aerial route where by you can fly direct to the island in around 7 minutes by helicopter from near Hartland in winter.
The ship does have an alternative departure point of Ilfracombe but Bideford would be my choice.
Or the helicopter option does sound like a great choice for the winter period too?
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