Holy Island

Extract from The New Travel Book -
North of Watford Gap - John Brown 

So this was it, 'Holy Island'. On a pleasant day such as today, the castle high on the island mount looked enchanting, almost fairy-tale-like. The tide was receding, and the island grew visibly larger by the minute as the water slipped away from its rugged shores, exposing the never ending causeway.
I parked up and stopped to read a nearby sign. Once again, The National Trust had got to Holy Island before me. But this time there was not only a note of the charges, but a rather detailed sign explaining the somewhat complex details for your intended visit, it read thus -
'Holy Island can only be reached by vehicle or on foot via a 3 mile causeway, which is closed from two hours before high tide until three hours after. Tide tables are listed in local newspapers, on the Northumberland County Council website and displayed at the causeway. To avoid disappointment check safe crossing and castle times before making a long/special journey. No large bags, pushchairs or rucksacks in castle. Emergency WC only; otherwise nearest WC in village 1 mile from castle'. (Admission £6.30 – a positive bargain by recent NT standards).
I particularly liked the reference to emergency when describing the use of the toilet facilities. To my mind, what could so easily start off as an everyday call of nature could very soon turn into an emergency if you had to hike a mile or so to the nearest loo – honestly, does anybody ever read these signs before agreeing to launch them on the poor unsuspecting public