This scenic route links historic places associated with St Cuthbert, who was renowned for his healing powers as Bishop of Lindisfarne. The varied trail takes us from the Scottish Borders to the moors of the Cheviot Hills and finally across the sands to Holy Island.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Average temperatures
	Travel Information

Detailed itinerary

62 miles. 11-15 miles with a maximum of 2,250ft of ascent per day.

ITINERARY - 6nights
Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Melrose to Harestanes
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 480m (1,600ft) of ascent
The walk starts at Melrose Abbey from where we head south out of Melrose, towards the Eildon Hills. We cross this cluster of three hills by the col (1,033ft) between Eildon Hill North (1,325ft) and Eildon Mid Hill (1,384ft). We descend on a track, crossing Glenburnie Burn, through the village of Bowden. Here we turn north-east and follow the Bowden Burn to Newton St Boswells. Now our path skirts the River Tweed on the south bank to St Boswells. After following the river on a wide loop, we head south on a quiet country road through Maxton and on to Dere Street. We follow one of the best preserved stretches of Dere Street in a straight south-easterly line to the Harestanes Visitors Centre by the River Teviot.

Day 3: Harestanes to Morebattle
Distance: 17km (11 miles), 250m (850ft) of ascent
Today's walking is mostly over rough pastureland. We rejoin Dere Street, and cross the River Teviot using a new bridge. Skirting a long stretch of forest, we leave the Roman route at Crailing Hall. Now we head across country in a north-easterly direction, a tarmac section follows and we reach Morebattle on this minor road.

Day 4: Morebattle to Hethpool
Distance: 18km (11½ miles), 630m (2,100ft) of ascent
For the next two days our route heads across the Cheviot Hills. Setting off around the north side of Morebattle Hill, we drop into the valley of the Kale and past Corbet Tower, before climbing Grubbit Law (1,082ft). We keep at this height along a splendid ridge with panoramic views before dropping into the Bowmont Valley. Bowmont Water (or river) separates Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, the northern end of the Pennine Way. We cross the river at the fine old Yetholm bridge, and continue on to the large green with the Border Hotel on the left. Having followed the Pennine Way up towards the Border Ridge we cross into England and enter the Northumberland National Park. A descent through some woods leads us to Hethpool in the beautiful valley of the College Burn where the waterfalls of Hethpool Linn are a worthwhile detour.

Day 5: Hethpool to East Horton or Old Hazelrigg*
Distance: 19km (12 miles), 450m (1,485ft) of ascent
This morning is spent on the moors again in an area rich with prehistoric remains. A final short climb follows before we drop down through some forestry into the important market town of Wooler. The afternoon's walk is across the high moors taking a track across Westwood Moor. We walk to Doddington Moor and finish at the T-junction between the farms of West Horton and East Horton.

Day 6: East Horton or Old Hazelrigg to Lindisfarne*
Distance: 20km (12.5 miles), 240m (800ft) of ascent
After a walk across pastureland and a short stretch of minor road, we take to a path and have a gentle climb up through a wood owned by the National Trust, to St Cuthbert's Cave. We cross Shiellow Woods and drop down to the coastal plain and Fenwick village. Our route then crosses the A1 and the East Coast Main Line to the edge of Holy Island sands (these sands are covered at high tide) and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. We can take the causeway out to the island or follow the posts of the Pilgrims' Path across the sands. We can look at the historic and picturesque priory and castle and soak up the atmosphere of this special sanctuary.

Day 7: Depart after breakfast

* Please note the finishing and starting points on day 5 & 6 will vary, depending on tide times across the causeway.

Fitness
We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. The walking day is normally 6-7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase.

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Dates and prices

Single rooms supplement: £15 per night

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Average temperatures

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Travel Information

Travel by rail: Travelling by train is a convenient method of travel. For further information and train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50 (from overseas call ++44 020 7278 5240).

Holiday Start: There are Inter-city trains to Berwick upon Tweed from London King’s Cross which take around 4 hours. Long-stay parking up to 7 days is available outside Berwick station, or nearby. A transfer is provided in the late afternoon between Berwick station and the first hotel in St Boswells a 1 hour drive away (times to be advised in your final despatch).

Holiday Finish: The return coach transfer to Berwick-on-Tweed rail station will depart from the final hotel in Wooler after breakfast – the transfer takes about 45 minutes and is a distance of 17 miles.

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