St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Information
Take a trip along the Scottish Border on this 62.5 miles (100km) trail from Melrose in the borders to Holy Island on the Northumberland Coast. Your starting point is where St Cuthbert, regarded as the patron saint of Northumbria, started his religious life in 650AD with the trail following his life to his resting place and pilgrimage shrine on Holy Island.
Whilst this was inspired as a pilgrim route, it offers walkers far more with a true adventure into local history and culture awaiting. The route can be completed in 4-6 days and is suitable for all levels of walkers with many sites of interest en-route.
Explore the towns of Melrose, Jedburgh and Wooler and take in incredible views over the Eildon Hills as you criss-cross the Cheviots.
The end-point is home to the 16th century Lindisfarne Castle & Priory - home to the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Highlights
- Explore the Scottish Borders
- Embark upon a cultural trip following the trail of St Cuthbert
- Visit Northumberland towns and enjoy local hospitality
- Visit Lindisfarne
What's included
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Daily luggage transfer
- GPX map
Pricing options
| Room | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin | £589 per person |
| Double | £589 per person |
| Single | £875 per person |
Available dates
- -
Itinerary
Arrive and enjoy an evening in Melrose (or nearby) before your trip commences.
Make sure you take on board a hearty breakfast before you head off.
The trail starts at the gates of the 12th Century Melrose Abbey before climbing the Eildon Hills offering some incredible sights of the Scottish Borders with the Cheviots to the south. Your walk continues as you drop back into Bowden before meandering through farmland and woods and along the banks of the River Tweed.
You will then pass Dryburgh Abbey and onto the village of Maxton before following in the footsteps of the Romans who built the original road you now walk and catching a glimpse of Lady Lilliard's Tomb. This takes you onto the Harestanes Visitor Centre which is a welcome point to grab a coffee and rest the feet.
Accommodation is very limited so you will be accommodated in nearby Jedburgh and therefore you will make the short 2.5 mile walk to your accommodation (transport can be provided at an extra cost).
Distance: 17 miles
If staying in Jedburgh, make your way back to Harestanes to pick up today's trail. Today's trail begins along the River Teviot before joining Dene Street. The Roman built road will keep you on the straight and narrow as you begin to grab views of the Cheviots and the ancestral home of the Kers at Cessford Castle.
The trail will take you to the village of Morebattle through rolling fields packed with beautiful flora and fauna.
Distance: 11 miles
Todays walking takes you through fields with impressive views of the countryside before you encounter the steepest section of the walk at Wideopen Hill - take the time to enjoy the incredible views.
It's now downhill as you descend into Kirk Yelthom welcomed by is thatched roofs and friendly host.
Distance: 7 miles
Your adventure crosses into England today and you encounter the rolling landscapes of Northumberland for the first time.
Once you enter Northumberland National Park, the trail drops back down into College valley which is home to Collingwood Oaks. Your walk will then take you through woodland and the Cheviot foothills before encountering Northumberland's largest Iron Age fort at Yeavering Bell.
Continue along the welcoming path into the bustling town of Wooler, and your home for this evening.
Ensure you have plenty of refreshments as there are no villages on this section.
Distance: 13 miles
Leaving Wooler, the trail offers an option to take a short detour to view prehistoric rock carvings.
As you cross the River Till, you will encounter another Roman road named the Devil's Causeway - which, of course, is perfectly straight. Follow the farmland tracks to St Cuthbert's Cave - the location where the Monks took St Cuthbert's body in 875AD as the Viking's raided Lindisfarne.
As you stand above the Cave, the end is in sight as you take the first glimpse of Holy Island in the distance. Look to the right and you will view Bamburgh Castle.
Follow the track which also joins with St Oswald' Way to this evenings stop in Fenwick (or nearby location)
Distance: 12 miles
As your adventure draws to a close, the end point is now in sight.
The trail leads you along historic paths and trails and interesting sights such as Fenwick Granary, across the main East Coast Railway and many World War 2 defences.
Depending upon the tides, you can choose your final approach to Holy Island - either the Causeway Road or the historic Pilgrims Path across the sand. Please view the safe crossing times on this link - https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/. We urge all walkers to exercise caution and follow guides issued by the local authority.
Your accommodation will either be on Holy Island or a nearby town.
Distance: 6 miles
Check out of hotel
Map
Photos
