The Complete St Cuthbert’s Way
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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.
- Discover the ruins of ancient castles such as Lindisfarne or Cessford.
- Cross a marsh crossing on the Pilgrims' Way.
- Tour Northumberland National Park in the north of England, ideal for bird watching.
- Visit Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, dating back to the 17th century.
- Explore St Cuthbert's Cave, a natural sandstone marvel in Northumberland.
- Visit Harmony Gardens, the only dried flower garden in Scotland
- Get to know Holy Island, one of the most emblematic Christian sites in Europe.
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.
Visit Trimontium, "Place of the Three Hills", a fort built by the Roman army in 80 AD. You can also visit one of its two gardens, Priorwood and its apple orchard with crops of historical varieties; and Harmony Gardens, Scotland's only walled garden of dried flowers.
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.
Visit Trimontium, "Place of the Three Hills", a fort built by the Roman army in 80 AD. You can also visit one of its two gardens, Priorwood and its apple orchard with crops of historical varieties; and Harmony Gardens, Scotland's only walled garden of dried flowers.
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 St Boswells 6,3 miles | 10,2 km
Climb Eildon Hill, approximately 422 m, a hill with 3 peaks that is part of the national scenic area of Eildon and Leaderfoot. From this point, you will have beautiful views of the Tweed Valley.
Descend to the village of St. Boswells, formerly called Lessuden. Its name changed due to the monk Boisil, famous for his healing power, who managed the village in the 7th century.
Near this village you can visit Dryburgh Abbey, founded in 1152 on the banks of the River Tweed, where the famous poet and writer Sir Walter Scott is buried. Just to the north, you can also visit Scott's View, a beautiful viewpoint above the Tweed Valley, the Scottish writer's inspiration.
Descend to the village of St. Boswells, formerly called Lessuden. Its name changed due to the monk Boisil, famous for his healing power, who managed the village in the 7th century.
Near this village you can visit Dryburgh Abbey, founded in 1152 on the banks of the River Tweed, where the famous poet and writer Sir Walter Scott is buried. Just to the north, you can also visit Scott's View, a beautiful viewpoint above the Tweed Valley, the Scottish writer's inspiration.
Overnight in St Boswells
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is located on a private estate of 4 hectares and offers an award-winning restaurant, free WiFi, and spacious rooms with luxury toiletries. The historic Dryburgh Abbey is just a few meters away. The rooms at Dryburgh feature individual design and come with a private bathroom and tea and coffee-making facilities. Many offer beautiful views of the River Tweed.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - St Boswells to Jedburgh 8 miles I 13 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.
Walk along the river path, past the Crystal Well, to the village of Maxton, and cross the battle site of Ancrum Moor to Monteviot House on the banks of the River Teviot. From Monteviot Bridge follow along Dere Street, a road built during the Roman Empire.
Arrive in the Harestanes countryside, at the heart of the Scottish borders, a rural setting and visitor centre, ideal for relaxing, before moving to Jedburgh, where you will find your accommodation.
Later, we will transfer you to Jedburgh, the place where you will spend the night.
Walk along the river path, past the Crystal Well, to the village of Maxton, and cross the battle site of Ancrum Moor to Monteviot House on the banks of the River Teviot. From Monteviot Bridge follow along Dere Street, a road built during the Roman Empire.
Arrive in the Harestanes countryside, at the heart of the Scottish borders, a rural setting and visitor centre, ideal for relaxing, before moving to Jedburgh, where you will find your accommodation.
Later, we will transfer you to Jedburgh, the place where you will spend the night.
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 4 - Jedburgh to Morebattle 11 miles | 18 km
Before leaving the village of Jedburgh, visit its majestic 11th-century Abbey and then head west to the River Teviot, which crosses the town, and is a tributary of the River Tweed. Then, continue 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 15th-century Cessford Castle. Follow the route to Morebattle, another small place, famous for its "Teapot Street", a name with which novelist and historian Sir Walter Scott baptized it when he saw women bring teapots to Kale Water for picnics.
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.
Kirk Yetholm: in case of unavailability at Morebattle you have your accommodation at Kirk Yetholm. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the appropriate transfers between the locations.
Later you will arrive in Cessford, a small hamlet characterized by having the ruins of 15th-century Cessford Castle. Follow the route to Morebattle, another small place, famous for its "Teapot Street", a name with which novelist and historian Sir Walter Scott baptized it when he saw women bring teapots to Kale Water for picnics.
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.
Kirk Yetholm: in case of unavailability at Morebattle you have your accommodation at Kirk Yetholm. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the appropriate transfers between the locations.
Overnight in Morebattle
Templehall Hotel
For hundreds of years this hotel has welcomed many travelers who chose to embark on St Cuthbert’s Way.
This small hotel is situated amidst the rolling landscape and valleys of the western Cheviot Hills, the perfect backdrop for you to relax, unwind, and enjoy excellent food. Additionally, this accommodation is famous for its freshly made cakes.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
This small hotel is situated amidst the rolling landscape and valleys of the western Cheviot Hills, the perfect backdrop for you to relax, unwind, and enjoy excellent food. Additionally, this accommodation is famous for its freshly made cakes.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm 7 miles | 11 km
Leave Morebattle upwards along Grubbit Law Ridge, one of the hills in the Cheviot Hills, to the top of Wideopen Mountain at 268 m high, the highest point on Saint Cuthbert's Way.
Look back and admire, across borders, views of the Eildon Hills and the front, those of Yetholm Lake. Descend the path that leads south through the Kale Water Valley until reaching the settlement of Kirk Yetholm, which was for centuries the seat of Romany gypsies in Scotland.
Visit its two small villages: Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, and the old 'Gypsy palace', right next to the private house at Kirk Yetholm Green.
Look back and admire, across borders, views of the Eildon Hills and the front, those of Yetholm Lake. Descend the path that leads south through the Kale Water Valley until reaching the settlement of Kirk Yetholm, which was for centuries the seat of Romany gypsies in Scotland.
Visit its two small villages: Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, and the old 'Gypsy palace', right next to the private house at Kirk Yetholm Green.
Overnight in Kirk Yetholm
Hotel Border
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 6 - Kirk Yetholm to Wooler 13,5 miles | 22 km
Climbing from Halterburn around Green Humbleton, at 287 m, the first of many fortified villages along the Saint Cuthbert's Way, you will reach the border between Scotland and England. Deviate a little to Eccles Cairn and admire the views of the Borders and the Eildon Hills.
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.
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.
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 7 - Wooler to Fenwick 12,5 miles | 20 km
Leave the small town of Wooler, also known as the "Gateway to the Cheviots" and take the path that takes you to Weetwood Moor, where on a detour, you will see prehistoric cave engravings.
Descend into the River Till, and cross Weetwood Bridge, a 16th-century construction used by the English to battle at Flodden. The route continues amid forests and farmland to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the monks went as they escaped the Danish invasion in 875.
From the cave, on the rocky ridge of Kyloe Mountain, admire the views of Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle to the south. Take the trail that links with the long-distance St Oswald’s Way, and walk through the Shiellow Forest to the village of Fenwick.
Fenwick or Beal: on this day, you can stay in either of these two towns. If you spend the night in Beal, you will have to walk about 4.5 km more, but you will be closer to your next destination, as it will shorten the route for the following day.
Descend into the River Till, and cross Weetwood Bridge, a 16th-century construction used by the English to battle at Flodden. The route continues amid forests and farmland to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the monks went as they escaped the Danish invasion in 875.
From the cave, on the rocky ridge of Kyloe Mountain, admire the views of Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle to the south. Take the trail that links with the long-distance St Oswald’s Way, and walk through the Shiellow Forest to the village of Fenwick.
Fenwick or Beal: on this day, you can stay in either of these two towns. If you spend the night in Beal, you will have to walk about 4.5 km more, but you will be closer to your next destination, as it will shorten the route for the following day.
Overnight in Fenwick
Lindisfarne Inn
This guest house is located 18 km from Bamburgh in a beautiful traditional stone building. It offers en suite rooms with a hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee making facilities.
Lindisfarne offers pet-friendly accommodation with free Wi-Fi in the bar area and free private parking. Visit its restaurant and bar and award-winning pub, thanks to its home-cooked meals, and try some of its selection of local beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Lindisfarne offers pet-friendly accommodation with free Wi-Fi in the bar area and free private parking. Visit its restaurant and bar and award-winning pub, thanks to its home-cooked meals, and try some of its selection of local beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Fenwick to Lindisfarne 6 miles | 10 km
Today will be an unforgettable day, as you will discover the beautiful Holy Island of Lindisfarne, considered the most sacred place in England, being important for the development of Christianity since the 6th century. Additionally, it is famous for hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna and for its iconic 16th-century monastery castle.
To get there, you must take the Holy Island Causeway, a road for cars, which is why you should be very careful with traffic.
There is another option, which is to cross through the sand, but this route is not highly recommended, as it can only be done during low tide.
To get there, you must take the Holy Island Causeway, a road for cars, which is why you should be very careful with traffic.
There is another option, which is to cross through the sand, but this route is not highly recommended, as it can only be done during low tide.
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 9 - 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 low level of difficulty with some ascents and descents, as well as walks that can be up to 18 km per day. We propose several itineraries with different levels of intensity, but we recommend that you have some experience in walking or have an active lifestyle.
If not, you can prepare 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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