St Cuthbert’s Way Guided Trail

Our journey begins at Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136 and renowned for its stunning medieval architecture. We head up onto the Eildon Hills, to enjoy views over Melrose, the Lammermuir, and the Cheviot Hills. After reaching Bowden, we’ll walk through the countryside of Newton St. Boswells before following the River Tweed past St. Boswells. The trail continues to Maxton, where we join Dere Street, an historic Roman road, leading us to the Harestanes Visitor Centre. Be sure to look back for excellent panoramas of the Eildon Hills. 

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)

Ascent: 485 feet (150 m) of ascent  

Make sure you have a good breakfast – this is the longest walking day of the trail. Departing from Harestanes, we follow the River Tweed past its junction with Jed Water to reach Jedfoot Bridge. Our route undulates along Dere Street, passing Cessford Moor, the village of Cessford, and the ruins of Cessford Castle. As we approach Morebattle, the Cheviot Hills come into view. We then ascend Grubbit Law and Wideopen Hill, continuing along the ridge accompanied by great views before descending into Kirk Yetholm. 

Distance: 17.5 miles (28 km)

Ascent: 725 feet (220 m) of ascent 

After leaving our bags for their transfer to Nether Grange House, we set off across the Cheviot Hills. From Kirk Yetholm, we briefly follow the Pennine Way, ascending to the Scotland–England border. Crossing into Northumberland, we traverse open moorland to Elsdonburn Farm, then continue to Hethpool in the picturesque College Valley. Walking along the valley side past Torlee Farm, we make a steep ascent, passing the hill forts of Yeavering Bell. The route continues across moorland, with Humbleton Hill – the site of a 1402 battle between the Scots and English – on our left, before descending into Wooler.  

Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5 km)

Ascent: 655 feet (200 m) of ascent 

Leaving Wooler, we cross Wooler Water and gently ascend to Weetwood Moor, meandering through charming countryside and passing the hamlets of East and West Horton. A short road section leads us to Cockenheugh Woods, where we visit St Cuthbert’s Cave. Soon after, we are rewarded with a spectacular first glimpse of our final destination – Holy Island, as well as the North Sea and Bamburgh Castle. We then join St Oswald’s Way and the Northumberland Coast Path and continue on to reach Fenwick. 

Distance: 12 miles (19 km) 

Ascent: 405 feet (125 m) of ascent  

A shorter and more leisurely walk today allows us time to soak up the beauty of Holy Island. Departing Fenwick, we head towards the Lindisfarne Causeway, which is only accessible at low tide. Once on the island, we walk through the village to our final destination at Lindisfarne Priory, where we’ll celebrate having completed St Cuthbert’s Way! 

Distance: 6miles (9.5 km) 

Ascent: 65 feet (20 m) of ascent 

Please note – Depending on the tide times, we may cross to Lindisfarne using either the causeway itself, or the traditional pilgrims route – across the sands. If the route across the sands is possible you’ll need to pack a plastic bag for shoes/boots, a spare pair of shoes, and a small towel and a bottle of water to wash your feet after the crossing  

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.