St Cuthbert’s Way

Today is the day we will all make our way to Melrose to begin our St Cuthbert’s Way adventure. In the evening you will get a chance to meet the rest of your group, as well as your guides, for a welcome evening and briefing. This will be in a local pub/restaurant where you will have the option of an evening meal.

Accommodation in Melrose.

This is the first day of walking, when the trip really begins.

In the morning, you will be met by one of the guides, who will take you to the start outside Melrose Abbey. We begin with the steepest section of the entire walk as we climb to a pass in the Eildon Hills above Melrose. The hard work is completed within an hour and rewarded with excellent views of the Scottish Borders.

From here, we descend through woodland to Newtown St Boswells and down to the River Tweed.  Lunch is often taken at the river with views back to the Eildons from the Temple of the Muses sculpture.

We then follow the River Tweed round into St Boswells itself. There may be a chance here for a coffee stop at the wonderful local bookshop before returning to the river for a further section on the banks of the Tweed. We finish the day in the small hamlet of Maxton.

Distance: 9.5 miles/15.5 km
Total ascent: 430m
Time: 6-6.5 hours

Accommodation in Melrose.

Today we will leave the small village of Maxton on Dere Street, an old Roman road. This section is steeped in history.

As well as the Roman road, we pass the site of the Battle of Ancrum Moor and Lilliard’s Stone, a monument to the legendary Fair Maiden Lilliard. At the end of Dere Street, we meet the grounds of Harestanes where there will be the potential for a fruitful but short diversion to the Woodside Birdhouse Tearoom for cake!

We then head around Monteviot House to cross the River Teviot on a suspension bridge. From here we pass quietly through undulating farmland and woodland to the small hamlet of Cessford, our endpoint for the day. We will then make the short drive to Yetholm/Morebattle for tonight’s accommodation.

Distance: 13 miles / 21.5 km
Total ascent: 480m
Time: 7-7.5 hours

Accommodation in Yetholm/Morebattle

We start today with a visit to the remains of 15th century Cessford Castle, with views over to the Cheviots. There are then a few miles to cover on quiet roads through the quaint border village of Morebattle.

We leave the road for Wideopen Hill and the highest point on the trail. With plenty of time to complete the climb, we can take in the views that live up to the placename.

We will again take our time in descent, which is a little steep in places, to join a minor road. After following the road for just over a mile, we leave the tarmac for the gentle riverbank of the Bowmont Water. We will follow this the short distance into Kirk Yetholm.

Distance: 9.5 miles / 15.5 km
Total ascent: 400m
Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Accommodation in Yetholm/Morebattle.

Today is the longest day of the trek.

We will cover the 13 miles to Wooler through the undulating foothills of the Cheviot. The day begins with a short road section before we climb gently over the first of the day’s hills. From the quickly gained high point, we will descend into the valley beyond to pick up a good track to Hethpool.

Then it is a rising traverse to gain open hillside. We’ll pass Yeavering Bell, the site of an Iron Age hill fort, and the prominent rocks of Tom Tallon’s Crag. From here, we will maintain our height before steadily descending towards Wooler. There’s one final hill to negotiate before entering the village to complete the day.

Distance: 13 miles / 21 km
Total ascent: 670m
Time: 7-8 hours

Accommodation in Wooler.

This, our fifth day on the trail, is a gentle one and we will cover 12 miles.

We will work our way through and out of Wooler to pick up trails through the farmland beyond. The path takes us through woodland and past the sandstone crags which split the lowlands and the Northumberland Coast.

Today we pass St Cuthbert’s Cave, where monks took St Cuthbert’s body in 875AD as they fled from Viking raiders on Lindisfarne. Beyond the cave lies Kyloe Woods and the small village of Fenwick where we will finish our day’s walk.

Distance: 12 miles / 19.5 km
Total ascent: 420m
Time: 6-6.5 hours

Accommodation in Lowick

With just 6 miles left of St Cuthbert’s Way (and a net downhill today), you are almost finished!

This shorter day allows us to time things correctly with the tides and make the most of the crossing to Lindisfarne. We will walk from Fenwick down to the tidal causeway to Holy Island. Here, we will take off our shoes and cross the sand/mud flats of the Pilgrim’s Way, following the wooden posts that mark it. It is a novel and interesting finish to a trek.

A quick clean of our feet will be needed before putting our shoes back on for the final section through the village to the priory (entrance ticket included). A short walk around the island is highly recommended if you have the energy, or you might want to explore the bustling town’s museums and shops before returning to our accommodation, having completed this historic trail.

Distance: 6 miles / 9.5 km
Total ascent: 60m
Time: 3-3.5 hours

Accommodation is in Lowick.

On the final morning of your holiday it is time so say our farewells.

You will have the option of a free transfer to Berwick-upon-Tweed for bus and rail links. If you need to return to Tweedbank for your car we can help you with arrangements for this.