8 Days & 7 Nights

4.7

St Cuthbert's Way | 8 Days

Walk this historic trail through Northumberland and the Borders to the Holy Island
Stay in picturesque Melrose with its impressive abbey
Explore the fantastically situated Lindisfarne Castle and Priory
Spend a night on Lindisfarne, Holy Island, after completing your walk
Discover an abundance of history along the way

St Cuthbert’s Way is a historical self-guided walking tour through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland countryside. It finishes with a memorable walk across coastal flats to spectacular Holy Island, one of Europe’s most famous Christian sites. During your adventure, you will visit places closely associated with St Cuthbert’s life. Pilgrim’s travel along the way-marked trail through rolling farmland, quiet woods, moorland and across a causeway. This route lends itself to visitors who are interested in religious history as it passes close to graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey (where Sir Walter Scott is buried) and the cave where St Cuthbert’s remains were stored. Finish with a walk across the sands to spectacular Holy Island and Lindisfarne, where St Cuthbert served as Bishop. Alison Chino, an American writer living in Scotland, published this great article on walking the St Cuthbert's Way, read it for an insight into the experience.

From $1,665.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Melrose and overnight

Arrive in Melrose a pretty market town in the Scottish Borders, with more than enough interesting sites to keep you happy 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.

Overnight Melrose

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fiorlin | Bed and breakfast

Fiorlin is a detached house of character set within its own walls in a quiet location near the town centre, tastefully decorated with a blue and white theme and natural wood finishes. The accommodation is self-contained, affording good privacy for guests. There is a sitting/dining room on the ground floor and en-suite double and twin/family bedrooms on the upper floor. The bedrooms have comfortable chairs, TV and a tea/coffee making facility.

Burts Hotel | Guest House

Burts Hotel is a listed building and has been restored and extended to retain its original charm. The hotel has 20 en-suite rooms all equipped to the highest standard. Because your comfort and enjoyment comes first at Burt’s, each room has been individually decorated to make your stay restful and relaxing. The award-winning restaurant at Burt’s Hotel is one of Scotland’s finest. Here you can experience a truly gastronomic experience in elegant surroundings. The restaurant at Burt’s Hotel has been awarded two AA Rosettes every year since 1995.

George and Abbotsford Hotel | Hotel

This 18^th century listed hotel is ideally situated on the High Street in Melrose, perfect for guests walking the St Cuthbert’s Way. You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this family run hotel. With 30 en suite bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant, and WiFi in public areas, you have everything you need to set you up ready for the walk ahead!

Day 2 Walk from Melrose to Harestanes and transfer to Jedburgh 15 miles / 24 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 refreshments available. Shortly after leaving the town, you re-join the River Tweed and follow it to St Boswells.

Leaving St Boswells, you follow the River Tweed once more before diverting away from it, just before the hamlet of Maxton. After a short section of minor road, you then join Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road before reaching Harestanes, where you will be met for your 15 minute transfer to Jedburgh.

Ascent: 388m (1,273ft) / Descent: 412m (1,352ft)

Overnight Jedburgh

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Allerton House | Guest House

Allerton House is a 4-star guest house located in the historic Royal Burgh of Jedburgh. They have six spacious, uniquely furnished bedrooms, each with its own character.

Meadhon House | Guest House

Built in 1653, Meadhon House is the oldest house in the Castlegate. Along with its other claims to fame, it was used by Bonnie Prince Charlie horses on his ill-fated ride south in 1745. All guest rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay along with great views of the surrounding landscape.

The Royal Hotel | Hotel

Once a 19th Century Coaching Inn, The Royal Hotel is now a comfortable family run hotel in the centre of Jedburgh. They have 10 en-suite bedrooms all fitted with flat screen TVs and have tea and coffee making facilities.

Day 3 Transfer to Harestanes and walk to Morebattle 11 miles / 18 km

After a short transfer from Jedburgh to Harestanes, begin the days walk by crossing the driveway of Monteviot House and the River Teviot. Passing the junction of the Teviot and Jed Water, you once again join Dere Street. As the road rises and falls in its determination to keep in a straight line, pleasant vistas of the Cheviots open up and your path now leads you to the remains of Cessford Castle.

From here to Morebattle the route allows the opportunity to study the flora and fauna of the area, including the lovely little purple flower, meadow cranesbill.

Please note that if accommodation in Morebattle is fully booked, you will stay overnight in Kirk Yetholm instead, resulting in a total of 2 nights in Kirk Yetholm. The cost of the return transfer is included in the tour price.

Ascent: 309m (1,104ft) / Descent: 282m (952ft)

Overnight Morebattle

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Templehall Hotel | Hotel

Templehall Hotel is family owned and run by a local couple who will welcome you in to this comfortable traditional Scottish Borders hotel. All rooms are en-suite and they have digital television, free wi-fi, tea and coffee making facilities. The cosy public bar serves good beers and a selection of malt whiskeys. Lunches and evening meals are served in the bar or dining room. Their chef's menu is freshly prepared using local produce where possible and includes a variety of daily specials and delicious homemade sweets.

Mill House | Bed and breakfast

This award-winning bed and breakfast has outstanding views of the village of Kirk Yetholm and offers a very homely stay. All rooms are en-suite have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay including small additional extras. They also have a large drawing room with balcony, which has free wifi and a large flat screen TV.

The Border Hotel | Hotel

Lyndsey and Scott would like to welcome you to the Border Hotel. They are a family run small hotel situated in Kirk Yetholm. They have five high quality newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms which have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. The Public Bar is open all day and offers a range of lagers including a selection of real ales. It is a true local bar with character and charm.

Day 4 Walk from Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm 7 miles / 11 km

A footbridge over the Kale leads you to a day's walking through fields and over stiles, with fine views back over Morebattle framed by the Eildon Hills.

At this point comes one of the steepest climbs of the whole walk to the top of Wideopen Hill, with more spectacular views towards Yetholm and its loch. You descend into the valley of Bowmont Water and into Kirk Yetholm. Here, there are fine thatched cottages, reminders of its origins as a farm township, and it is also home to the north end of the Pennine Way, which starts in Edale in Derbyshire, some 270 miles away.

Ascent: 316m (1036ft) / Descent: 268m (880ft)

Overnight Kirk Yetholm

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Mill House | Bed and breakfast

The Border Hotel | Hotel

The Plough Hotel | Hotel

Mother and daughter team, Sandi and Zoe Keddie offer you a warm welcome to the Plough Hotel. It is in the middle of the village, makes it the natural centre of social life and offers such comforts as, real ales and top quality home cooking.

Day 5 Walk from Kirk Yetholm to Wooler 13.5 miles / 22 km

As well as crossing the border into England, today traverse the Cheviots which means negotiating some ups and downs as you travel east to Wooler. You will be walking atop the hills for much of the day and this means more great views. You will pass by Yeavering Bell, just to the left of the path. It is Northumberland’s largest hill fort, covering an area of over 5 hectares and said to have been one of the tribal strongholds of the Votadini, who inhabited this area in Roman times.

Ascent: 553m (1,814ft) / Descent: 588m (1,929ft)

Overnight Wooler

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Old Mill B&B | Bed and breakfast

The Old Mill is a detached three-storey house located on the edge of Wooler. Carefully converted, this property has plenty of charm and character and offers spacious, well equipped accommodation.

Black Bull Inn | Inn

The Black Bull Inn is a 17th Century Coaching Inn standing in the main street of Wooler. It still retains much of its original character and is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of Northumberland. The inn is fully licensed and serves good homemade food every lunchtime and evening in the restaurant or in the bar areas. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The bedrooms have hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities and TV.

Hethpool House | Bed and breakfast

This North Northumberland B&B has inspired views of the surrounding Cheviot hills and is within one of the most beautiful settings in Northumberland. All rooms are traditional furnished and have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay. There is a large garden where you are welcome to sit and relax and the owners can be provided with tea or drinks before dinner. Eildon is an excellent cook and can produce dinner for you using the best local ingredients.

Day 6 Walk from Wooler to Fenwick/Beal 12.5 miles / 20 km

Wooler is the largest town in the Cheviot Hills area. It was founded in the 12th century and has been a market town since the 13th century. It still has one of the most important livestock markets in northeast England. Today brings you closer to the coast as you enjoy a pleasant mix of farmland and forest. Follow quiet trails through Weetwood Moor, part of which lies between the nearby hills and the coastal plain. Cross Weetwood Bridge and the 18th century Weetwood Hall, then continue on to Fenwick or Beal.

Depending on your overnight accommodation you will be staying in either Fenwick, Lowick or Beal.

If you are staying in Lowick, you will require a transfer from Fenwick to Lowick. Either you will need to call your accommodation when you arrive in Fenwick to arrange a pickup or we will arrange a taxi for you. Please check your itinerary details for more information.

Beal is slightly closer to the coast and adds roughly 4.5km onto your day (making it 24.5km). As a result, the next day to Holy Island is slightly shorter as you will be closer. If you would prefer a taxi transfer from Fenwick to Beal (optional, at an additional cost), please let us know in advance so this can be organised.

Ascent: 324m (1,063ft) / Descent: 379m (1,243ft)

Overnight Fenwick

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fenwick B&B | Bed and breakfast

Situated at Aidanfield, a detached house on the edge of the village, and set in its own private grounds with spectacular views of the coastline, Holy Island and rolling countryside.

The White Swan Inn | Country Inn

At The White Swan, comforting hospitality takes centre stage. It's a proper village pub, perfect for a laid-back lunch, an easy supper or a quiet drink at the end of the day. Upstairs, you'll find a comfortable base and a genuinely good night's sleep, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with family – each room is clean, welcoming and ready for you to settle into, with soft bedding and thoughtful touches like tea, coffee and biscuits, extra pillows, cosy throws, a hairdryer, and an iron and ironing board. Free Wi-Fi comes as standard.

Black Bull Inn

All rooms at The Black Bull Inn have been beautifully refurbished and decorated to a high standard, with rich materials, Heritage colours and fabrics finished off with stylish lighting. You'll have free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and an LED Freeview TV to help you unwind, plus a desk, hairdryer, iron and ironing facilities, and linen provided as standard. Each room takes its name from the valleys, rivers, hills, castles and estates scattered across the Northumbrian countryside that surrounds the inn.

Day 7 Walk from Fenwick/Beal to Lindisfarne 6 miles / 10 km

This section is said to be one of the most spectacular along the way. 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. This area is popular with wading birds because of the variety of food on Lindisfarne's mudflats. Keep your eyes peeled for Godwits, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Curlews and Redshanks.

Holy Island is one of Europe’s most famous Christian places and it has a wealth of sites that relate to its eventful history. St Cuthbert’s name and life inspired the building of the Lindisfarne Priory which began in about 1120. There is also a castle which was ordered to be built by Henry VIII as Holy Island held great strategic importance centuries ago.

We recommend checking the tide times the night before and again on the morning of your crossing: Holy Island Crossing Times.

Depending on your overnight accommodation you will be setting off on your walk from either Fenwick or Beal. Beal is slightly closer to the coast and therefore today's route will be slightly shorter if you are leaving from here (7km).

Ascent: 14m (46ft) / Descent: 43m (141ft)

Overnight Lindisfarne

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Manor House Hotel | Hotel

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check in at the Manor House Hotel! They have ten bedrooms which all include tea and coffee making facilities, digital TV and are en-suite (with the exception of our single room.) Their recently refurbished Island Bar is open throughout the day for tea and coffee, or for those who fancy a tipple or two they serve an array of wines, spirits and beers including the locally produced Lindisfarne mead. The restaurant and garden are also open daily to both residents and non-residents for lunch and dinner; whenever possible their dishes are prepared from seasonal and local produce.

Lindisfarne Hotel | Hotel

The Lindisfarne Hotel was built in 1902 and has been fully modernised with 8 refurbished en-suite rooms, which have all the amenities that you require for a comfortable night’s stay. They also have a guest lounge and dining room, patio and grassed garden area for those warm summer evenings.

The Ship Inn | Inn

Formerly called the Northumberland Arms it was during 1995 that a major renovation programme was undertaken and the business was renamed as The Ship Inn, although the Islanders still affectionately refer to the pub as "The Tavern". The Ship Inn is now proud of being awarded a 4 star hotel rating by the English Tourist Council. All rooms are en-suite with hospitality tray, providing tea, coffee, herbal drinks, bedside radio/alarm, television and hair dryers. The Ship Inn has a great reputation for the food and drink that it serves. They offer a wide variety of ales, beers, wines and spirits and each meal is cooked using local fresh ingredients.

Day 8 Onward Travel

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

The St Cuthbert’s Way is a glorious walk through the Scotland Borders and the North East of England. If you are a budding historian then the many sites of interest that are scattered along the route will appeal greatly. Pass through memorable and serene rural landscapes as you walk.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded from easy to moderate to moderate, depending on which itinerary you choose. The trail follows well maintained footpaths, bridleways, open fields and some minor roads. It does involve some relatively steep ascent and descent from the escarpment and days of up to 18 miles walking.

Holy Island - Crossing Safely

Holy Island isn't always an island. Twice a day, the tide covers the causeway that links it to the mainland, and for a few hours either side of high tide, crossing isn't possible – or safe. Tide times shift daily, so there's no single crossing window that applies all year. Northumberland County Council publishes the official safe crossing times, and we'd recommend checking these the night before and again on the morning of your crossing: Holy Island Safe Crossing Times

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
Breakfast each morning
Baggage transfers
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to Melrose / from Lindisfarne
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Onward travel is by rail and /or coach.

By Coach: Melrose and Jedburgh are both served by National Express as well as Berwick-upon-Tweed.

By Rail: Tweedbank is the main line station used to connect by bus on to Melrose. Tweedbank station is just an 8 minute bus journey from Melrose.

By Road: We generally recommend using public transport as parking is generally not available in Melrose.

Getting from the End

By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Travel by rail and/or coach from Berwick-upon Tweed.

By Coach: For most services you will need to get to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Please note that bus services are limited and a taxi may be required on certain days to reach Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

By Rail: You will need to get to Berwick-upon-Tweed for connections to Edinburgh & Newcastle. By Taxi: There is a local taxi service which provides the most convenient way to transfer to Berwick-upon-Tweed and further a field.

Please visit Traveline for further information.

Luggage 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.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.