St Cuthbert’s Way in 6 days

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.  

Overnight in Melrose

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.

Overnight in Jedburgh

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. 

Overnight in Kirk Yetholm

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. 

Overnight in Wooler

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.

Overnight in Lindisfarne

For your return, you should head to the city of Berwick-upon Tweed and take the train towards Edinburgh or Newcastle Airport.

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