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. The Melrose Rugby Club occupies a prime position and is famous for hosting an important Sevens Rugby Tournament every April.

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.