St Cuthbert’s Way in 6 days
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Hotel accommodations
The beautiful long-distance St Cuthbert's Way, named after the monk and bishop Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, links Melrose Abbey and island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island), which runs through the Scottish Borders to the Northumberland region of England.
Through this route, created in 1996 and designated as one of Scotland's great trails through Scottish Natural Heritage, you will get to know some of the smallest and most charming villages in Scotland and England, as well as incredible natural landscapes framed by the Cheviot Hills or the River Tweed.
- Visit Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, dating back to the 17th century.
- Get to know Holy Island, one of the most emblematic Christian sites in Europe.
- Discover the ruins of ancient castles such as Lindisfarne or Cessford.
- Tour Northumberland National Park in the north of England, ideal for bird watching.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Melrose
This small town is located in the Scottish Borders, very close to the border with England, between the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills. It is well known for Melrose Abbey, a former monastery founded by the monks of the Cistercian Order in 1136.
Due to its architecture and because it is one of Scotland's best preserved ruins, it has become a tourist spot in this region. In addition, the abbey was the last residence of St. Cuthbert, the monk and bishop to which this route owes its name.
Due to its architecture and because it is one of Scotland's best preserved ruins, it has become a tourist spot in this region. In addition, the abbey was the last residence of St. Cuthbert, the monk and bishop to which this route owes its name.
Overnight in Melrose
Burts Hotel
Receive a warm welcome at this centrally located hotel and enjoy a good rest in its individually decorated rooms.
We recommend not to miss the opportunity to have a good lunch or dinner at its award-winning restaurant with an AA rosette to recharge the energy before starting your journey on foot through Scotland.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
We recommend not to miss the opportunity to have a good lunch or dinner at its award-winning restaurant with an AA rosette to recharge the energy before starting your journey on foot through Scotland.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Melrose to Jedburgh 15 miles | 24 km
Today's route takes you along the River Tweed and several villages that are part of the Scottish Borders, one for nature lovers and with walking trails.
Ascend Eildon Hill, which is approximately 422 metres high. It is made up of 3 peaks that complement the Eildon and Leaderfoot National Scenic Area. From this point, you will have beautiful views of the Tweed Valley.
Before reaching your destination for the day, you will pass through the village of St. Boswells, where you can see Dryburgh Abbey. Continue to Harestanes, from where we will transfer you to Jedburgh.
Ascend Eildon Hill, which is approximately 422 metres high. It is made up of 3 peaks that complement the Eildon and Leaderfoot National Scenic Area. From this point, you will have beautiful views of the Tweed Valley.
Before reaching your destination for the day, you will pass through the village of St. Boswells, where you can see Dryburgh Abbey. Continue to Harestanes, from where we will transfer you to Jedburgh.
Overnight in Jedburgh
Royal Hotel
Originally an 19th-century inn, the Royal Hotel has welcomed visitors to Jedburgh for nearly 200 years. It is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
Check it out in its rooms that provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. Breakfast would be a total historical experience because in its Bistro, you can see the historic frieze of the "Procession of the Kings of Scotland" created by Scottish painter W.G. Burn Murdoch.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Check it out in its rooms that provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. Breakfast would be a total historical experience because in its Bistro, you can see the historic frieze of the "Procession of the Kings of Scotland" created by Scottish painter W.G. Burn Murdoch.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Jedburgh to Kirk Yetholm 18 miles | 29 km
Leave the village of Jedburgh and head west towards Jed Water, the river that runs through the city and is a tributary of the River Tweed. After passing it, follow along the wide paths until you reach the small village of Crailinghall and Oxnam Water, another of the region's beautiful rivers.
Later you will arrive in Cessford, a small hamlet characterized by having the ruins of Cessford Castle, a 15th-century building constructed by Andrew Kerr. Follow the route to Morebattle, another small village where you will ascend Wideopen Hill.
This hill is 368 m high and is part of the beautiful Cheviot Hills, a mountain range that frames the landscape of this area of Scotland. From its summit you will have incredible views of the valley and Yetholm Lake. Descend to the village where you will stay tonight.
Later you will arrive in Cessford, a small hamlet characterized by having the ruins of Cessford Castle, a 15th-century building constructed by Andrew Kerr. Follow the route to Morebattle, another small village where you will ascend Wideopen Hill.
This hill is 368 m high and is part of the beautiful Cheviot Hills, a mountain range that frames the landscape of this area of Scotland. From its summit you will have incredible views of the valley and Yetholm Lake. Descend to the village where you will stay tonight.
Overnight in Kirk Yetholm
The Border Hotel
This small and charming hotel will capture your attention with its traditional facade that deserves to be featured in one of your travel photos.
The facilities of this hotel are designed to envelop you in tranquility and comfort. Upon entering its small bar, you'll sit by the fireplace, and under the gentle roar of the fire, you immerse yourself in its menu of drinks and exquisite dishes made of local products.
Each room is named after local hills, trails, and rivers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The facilities of this hotel are designed to envelop you in tranquility and comfort. Upon entering its small bar, you'll sit by the fireplace, and under the gentle roar of the fire, you immerse yourself in its menu of drinks and exquisite dishes made of local products.
Each room is named after local hills, trails, and rivers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Kirk Yetholm to Wooler 13,5 miles | 22 km
Today you will visit a new country: England, as we enter the Cheviot Hills, part of the northern section of the extensive Northumberland National Park, home to varied flora and fauna, and an important point for bird watching.
You will have several ascents and descents on the hills that are part of the park, finding beautiful views, such as the Bowmont Valley and the small surrounding communities. In the middle of the woods you will reach Hethpool Linn, an idyllic place with waterfalls.
Afterwards you'll meet Yeavering Bell, the oldest fortification site in the Northumberland region, dating back to the Iron Age. The steep descent will be via a marked path that takes you to the road to Wooler.
You will have several ascents and descents on the hills that are part of the park, finding beautiful views, such as the Bowmont Valley and the small surrounding communities. In the middle of the woods you will reach Hethpool Linn, an idyllic place with waterfalls.
Afterwards you'll meet Yeavering Bell, the oldest fortification site in the Northumberland region, dating back to the Iron Age. The steep descent will be via a marked path that takes you to the road to Wooler.
Overnight in Wooler
Black Bull Inn
A 17th-century inn located on the main street of Wooler will welcome you with open arms to give you the opportunity to rest well before your next adventure. It is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of Northumberland.
We assure you that you will enjoy the individual design of the cozy rooms and the home-cooked food offered by the owners of this establishment. Additionally, if you're in the mood, you can take the afternoon to play darts or billiards or even try your hand at the authentic Scottish sport, golf.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
We assure you that you will enjoy the individual design of the cozy rooms and the home-cooked food offered by the owners of this establishment. Additionally, if you're in the mood, you can take the afternoon to play darts or billiards or even try your hand at the authentic Scottish sport, golf.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Wooler to Lindisfarne 18,5 miles | 30 km
This is the final section of the tour, where you will leave the small village of Wooler, also known as the "Gateway to the Cheviots" to visit Lindisfarne.
Continue towards the River Till until you reach Weetwood Bridge, a 16th-century structure, which served as a battlefield for the English in the Battle of Flodden. The route continues through woodland to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the monks carried his body when they escaped the Danish invasion in 875.
As you descend, you will reach the village of Fenwick, from here you can go to the island of Lindisfarne, however, you can only cross when the tide is out.
Continue towards the River Till until you reach Weetwood Bridge, a 16th-century structure, which served as a battlefield for the English in the Battle of Flodden. The route continues through woodland to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the monks carried his body when they escaped the Danish invasion in 875.
As you descend, you will reach the village of Fenwick, from here you can go to the island of Lindisfarne, however, you can only cross when the tide is out.
Overnight in Lindisfarne
Manor House Hotel
This waterfront hotel is located in Lindisfarne Harbour. It offers 10 rooms with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities, most of which have a private bathroom.
Enjoy dishes prepared with local food at the Priory Restaurant or relax with a drink at the Island bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy dishes prepared with local food at the Priory Restaurant or relax with a drink at the Island bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Lindisfarne
For your return, you should head to the city of Berwick-upon Tweed and take the train towards Edinburgh or Newcastle Airport.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
The best option will always be to fly to Edinburgh airport, as it is the closest to Melrose.
From the airport you can take the "Airport Express" Bus(operated by "Traveline") until the stop "Waverley Bridge". Once here (Edinburgh Waverley), you can take the "Scotrail" until "Tweedbank", which is the nearest place to Melrose.
Here, you can choose to take a Taxi directly to Melrosee or to take the Bus. The Best bus option is number 67, operated by "Border Buses".
A second option is to fly into Newcastle airport.
At the end of your trip in Lindisfarne, you can take Bus 477 (operated by "Border Buses") to "Berwick Railway Station", from where you will be able to choose diferrent train options to get back.
My recomendation is to take "Transpennine Express" as it goes direct. This is also operated by "Scotrail".
From the airport you can take the "Airport Express" Bus(operated by "Traveline") until the stop "Waverley Bridge". Once here (Edinburgh Waverley), you can take the "Scotrail" until "Tweedbank", which is the nearest place to Melrose.
Here, you can choose to take a Taxi directly to Melrosee or to take the Bus. The Best bus option is number 67, operated by "Border Buses".
A second option is to fly into Newcastle airport.
At the end of your trip in Lindisfarne, you can take Bus 477 (operated by "Border Buses") to "Berwick Railway Station", from where you will be able to choose diferrent train options to get back.
My recomendation is to take "Transpennine Express" as it goes direct. This is also operated by "Scotrail".
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this route?
The route is available between April and September, any time you choose between these months will give you an amazing experience, as the weather is pleasant and cool for walking.
Even in summer, when it is usually very hot in several countries, in Scotland you will enjoy very pleasant days to explore the various natural landscapes that this adventure has for you.
You should keep in mind that on Holy Island tides occur constantly, so we suggest you check the tide chart in advance.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is rated with a level of medium-low difficulty with some ascents and descents, as well as walks that can be up to 18 km daily. We recommend that you have had walking experience or have an active lifestyle.
If not, you can prepare during the months before starting the route by walking daily on mountainous terrain. You can also improve your endurance with cardio exercises.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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