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Highlights of the St Cuthbert's Way

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.7 Read 149 reviews
  • Step back in history discovering the highlights of the St Cuthbert's Way
  • Cross the tidal causeway to Holy Island of Lindisfarne
  • Follow a historic pilgrimage trail visiting interesting sites
  • Enjoy varied scenery and breathe in the fresh sea breeze
  • Meet friendly and welcoming Northumbrian hosts
Discover the most iconic places along the St Cuthbert's Way in the Scottish Borders and on the Northumberland Coast. This historic pilgrimage trail has been frequented by generations of travellers making their way to Holy Island. Explore the market town of Wooler at the foot of the Cheviot Hills and enjoy a refreshing pint in one of the pubs on the main street. Follow the route through an ever-changing landscape, from forests with striking views to rural farmland and quiet Northumbrian beaches on the coast. The walking distances allow time to visit interesting sights such as St Cuthbert's Cave, where monks took St Cuthbert's body as they fled from the Vikings. Cross the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne and spend two days exploring one of Europe's most famous Christian sites.
Experience some of the highlights of the St Cuthbert's Way on a relaxed short break itinerary. If you are a budding historian then the many sites of interest that are scattered along the route will appeal greatly. By spending two nights on the atmospheric Holy Island you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and discover what it is like once day-trippers leave the island. If you are looking for a memorable trip in serene rural landscapes, then this is the trip for you!

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, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube 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&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Long-Distance Trails
  • Short Break

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded easy, perfect for those looking for a relaxing trip combining walking and history, and also ideally suited to first-timers and solo walkers. This is a low-level route with a few climbs, perfect for the regular walker. The longest day is 20 or 24km (depending on your overnight accommodation in either Fenwick or Beal on day 2), and the other walking days range between 8 and 10km. You will be following well-waymarked footpaths and bridleways. Some sections on Lindisfarne include some beach and dune walking which can slow down your progress along the route.

Navigation

The trail is well waymarked throughout, maintained and easy to follow. You should have no problems following the route and can refer to the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app to keep you right if necessary.

Accommodations

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

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.

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.

Included
  • 4 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
  • 4 Breakfasts
  • Transfer from Berwick-upon-Tweed train station to Wooler (Day 1)
  • Door-to-door baggage transfers
  • Information pack
  • Access to detailed maps and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
  • Emergency telephone support from our office (24/7)
Excluded
  • Travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed & From Lindisfarne
  • Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance (required)
Extras
  • Additional nights along the route

When To Go

This trip is available from April to September to start on any day of the week. Traditionally, April and May have been the most popular time of the year to walk the route, as the theory goes that the weather is better. However, in our opinion, anywhere between April and September should offer a wonderful experience.

Please note: In mid-June each year the Borders Book Festival takes place, the area is very busy and there will be a lack of availability, please avoid booking over these dates if possible. 

Getting to the Start

Getting to Wooler is easy, simply travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed from Newcastle (45 min) or Edinburgh (45 min). Upon arrival, an included transfer will bring you to Wooler (25 min) making the start of your trip hassle-free. There are also connections by train from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed (4h) or Manchester (3h30min). For more information, tickets and timetables please visit National Rail UK. The nearest airports are Newcastle and Edinburgh from which you can connect to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

If you are arriving by car it is easiest to park in Berwick-upon-Tweed and leave the car here until the end of the trip. Travel back to Berwick-upon-Tweed from Lindisfarne for onward travel, a taxi to Berwick-upon-Tweed train station is approx. £15.

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.

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.

How fit do I need to be?
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Should I check the tides for the walk to the Holy Isle?
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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Wooler & Overnight Day 2 Wooler to Fenwick/Beal 12.5 miles / 20 km Day 3 Fenwick/Beal to Lindisfarne 6 miles / 10 km Day 4 Circular walk on Holy Island 5 miles / 8 km Day 5 Onward Travel

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