We offer a number of different itineraries on St Cuthbert's Way, each of which is made up of the following sections. Individual itineraries are detailed on the right.
Arrive Start (Melrose)
Check in time for most accommodation is from mid-afternoon onwards so please contact your accommodation directly if you are going to be late/early. Melrose is a pretty market town in the Scottish Border’s with more than enough to keep you interested for a few hours. Melrose Abbey is the centrepiece of the town and operated by Historic Scotland, while the Priorwood Walled Garden and Trimontium Exhibition are also worth a visit.
Meals: There are several excellent restaurants and pubs in Melrose although Burts Hotel stands head and shoulders above the rest. This award winning pub does excellent food and It is advisable to book.
Facilities: There are numerous shops, supermarkets and banks in town and this is the last town of any size until you reach Wooler so you may want to stock up on any essentials.
Section 1: Melrose to St Boswells – 6 miles – 10 km
The day starts with a steep climb of the Eildon Hills which is rewarded by fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. You may also choose to climb from the saddle to the summit at 422m if you are feeling energetic. From the saddle the way drops steadily through Bowden and then along Bowden Burn to Newton St Boswells, which has accommodation and refreshments available. Shortly after leaving the town you rejoin the River Tweed and follow it to St Boswells. If you are staying in St Boswells Dryburgh Abbey makes for a very pleasant side trip.
Meals: The Buccleauch Arms on the Green does good pub food and is a popular lunch or dinner stop. Alternatively there is also a supermarket in St Boswells.
Section 2: St Boswells to Ancrum/Harestanes/Jedburgh – 8/9/10 miles
A lovely day of walking through the rolling scenery of the Scottish Borders with a touch of Roman history. Leaving St Boswells you again follow the Tweed before leaving it just before the hamlet of Maxton. After a short section of minor road you then join Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road. If staying at Ancrum or wanting to visit the Harestanes Visitor (tea room) centre turn right when you reach the B6400. Alternatively follow the way to reach Jedburgh.
Meals: Ancrum – The Cross Keys Inn and small general store, Jedburgh – The Carters Rest (opp Abbey) is excellent, The Pheasant is also good and there is a large supermarket in Jedburgh.
Section 3: Ancrum/Harestanes/Jedburgh to Morebattle – 11/10/9 miles.
This is a varied section with a fair bit of ascent and descent as you follow a network of tracks, paths and minor roads through farmland. There are no stops on the way so you must take sufficient food/water.
Meals: Take a packed lunch and in Morebattle the Templehall Hotel is a friendly family run hotel, perfect for a relaxed dinner.
Section 4: Morebattle to Town Yetholm/Kirk Yetholm – 8 miles – 12 km
A relatively short but strenuous section. After crossing Kale Water you climb steadily to reach the summit of Wideopen Hill at 369m. The paths are indistinct in places so care is required in poor visibility. The views from the summit are spectacular and its all down hill to Kirk Yetholm.
Meals: Packed lunch from Morebattle, The Plough Inn in Town Yetholm (not on trail) is a small country pub and The Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm is a great option for dinner.
Section 5: Kirk Yetholm to Wooler – 13 miles – 21 km
A challenging day – be prepared. As well as crossing into England today you also cross the Cheviots and this means numerous ups and downs as you travel east to Wooler. The good news is that you are high up for much of the day and this means more great views and lots of fresh air.
Meals: There are no facilities in Hethpool so please take a packed lunch. Wooler – this substantial market town has numerous pubs and restaurants, The Angel Inn, on the high street is an old coaching inn and comes with good recommendations, The Tankerville Arms Hotel is another restaurant worth a try.
Facilities: Banks, shops, etc.
Section 6: Wooler to Fenwick – 12 miles – 20 km
A much easier day after the rigours of the past few days as you head towards the coast and the end of your journey. Enjoy the pleasant mix of farmland and forest.
Meals: Take a packed lunch, Fenwick is a tiny hamlet and you will generally be collected from here by your host who will then drop you off at the local pub for dinner or may offer evening meals. Your accommodation sheet has full details.
Section 7: Fenwick to Lindisfarne – 6 miles – 10 km
The final section of your walk and one of the most spectacular and unusual. NOTE: This section is affected by tides and the causeway is closed twice a day. It is therefore very important that you check the tide times before departure. These are available at Wooler Tourist Information or on the internet at http://www2.northumberland.gov.uk/PSCM/HolyIsland.asp. The scenery is unique and although you follow the road for most of the way to Holy Island the changing vistas and abundant birdlife will keep you occupied. There is also a pilgrim’s route across the tidal sands but I would not recommend taking this route due to the dangers posed by incoming tides.
Meals: Take a packed lunch or hang on until Lindisfarne. On Lindisfarne both the Ship Inn has a fantastic atmosphere and The Crown and Anchor Inn also does great food.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation you will enjoy. The hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s we use are hand-picked to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We do recommend that you book this trip early as the area is always popular and the hotels and inns do fill up early, especially in high season. You will find descriptions, photos and weblinks to a selection of the accommodation below.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur. If you require single rooms within your party we will of course try to accommodate your request subject to availability. Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins.
Solo Walkers
This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival, alternatively your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have recommendations.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation each day. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Additional Nights
Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk. Please contact the Macs Adventure office to arrange this for you. We would recommend extra nights in Melrose to enjoy the lovely Tweed Valley scenery and Lindisfarne to take in the many attractions and wonderful birdlife the island offers.
Dunfermline House - Melrose
Bryan & Alison Bell will do all they can to make your stay at Dunfermline House memorable and comfortable. Located centrally in the beautiful Border Town of Melrose, all the communities many attractions and facilities are only a few steps away.
Old Abbey School House - Melrose
This comfortable family house is a converted school and a short walk from the town centre and River Tweed. Mrs O'Neill will get you off to a flying start on the St Cuthbert's Way with her warm hospitality and delicious breakfasts.
Buccleuch Arms Hotel - St Boswells
The Buccleuch Arms Hotel stands beside the village green in St Boswells. The hotel has recently been refurbished to high standard.
Allerton House - Jedburgh
Allerton House has six spacious, uniquely furnished bedrooms, each with its own character, when you arrive you are met with a warm welcome by your hosts.
Airenlea - Jedburgh
Airenlea bed and breakfast offers a high standard of accommodation, friendly atmosphere and warm welcome to all guests. Airenlea is ideally located, just a few minutes from the centre of Jedburgh over looking the historic town.
Templehall Inn - Morebattle
The Templehall Inn is a cosy inn in the small village of Morebattle.Comfortable ensuite rooms and great home cooked food in this popular local pub make for a great eveings stay.
The Farmhouse at Kirk Yetholm - Kirk Yetholm
Perfectly situated on the path of St Cuthbert's Way, the Farmhouse has been beautifully refurbished and renovated to a very high standard, with many of the old features remaining. You can expect a warm welcome during your stay at The Farmhouse at Yeltholm Mill.
Mill House - Kirk Yetholm
A newly converted Grain Mill & Granary on the edge of the former 'Gypsy' village of Kirk Yetholm, stands proudly at the foot of the Cheviot Hills looking out over the Bowmont Water.
Tilldale House - Wooler
Tilldale House is a charming 17th century stone-built house with all the usual modern comforts.All of the spacious, comfortable bedrooms have en-suite facilities.
Aidanfield B&B - Fenwick
Aidanfield offers quality bed and breakfast accommodation, with spacious and comfortable bedrooms and facilities. We are situated in the quiet hamlet of Fenwick, with panoramic views over open countryside and the sea.
Crown & Anchor - Lindisfarne
The Crown and Anchor stands in the heart of the village adjacent to Lindisfarne Priory and overlooking the castle and harbour and has been recently renovated to the highest standard of accommodation and cuisine.
Planning a trip on St Cuthbert's Way can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
How fit do I need to be?
We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as St Cuthbert's Way is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our availability and dates tab and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Should I check the tides for the walk to the Holy Isle?
For the WSSSCW1 and 2 we will need to keep an eye on the tidal charts to make sure that you can cross the causway to the holy isle. Please check the tide times before you book any of these walks.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. In an emergancy please contact the office or the B&B's if you need assistance.
