8 Days & 7 Nights

4.7

St Cuthbert's Way | 8 Days

Walk this historic trail through Northumberland and the Borders to the Holy Island
Stay in picturesque Melrose with its impressive abbey
Explore the fantastically situated Lindisfarne Castle and Priory
Spend a night on Lindisfarne, Holy Island, after completing your walk
Discover an abundance of history along the way

St Cuthbert’s Way is a historical self-guided walking tour through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland countryside. It finishes with a memorable walk across coastal flats to spectacular Holy Island, one of Europe’s most famous Christian sites. During your adventure, you will visit places closely associated with St Cuthbert’s life. Pilgrim’s travel along the way-marked trail through rolling farmland, quiet woods, moorland and across a causeway. This route lends itself to visitors who are interested in religious history as it passes close to graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey (where Sir Walter Scott is buried) and the cave where St Cuthbert’s remains were stored. Finish with a walk across the sands to spectacular Holy Island and Lindisfarne, where St Cuthbert served as Bishop. Alison Chino, an American writer living in Scotland, published this great article on walking the St Cuthbert's Way, read it for an insight into the experience.

From £995.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Melrose and overnight

Arrive in Melrose a pretty market town in the Scottish Borders, with more than enough interesting sites to keep you happy for a few hours. Melrose Abbey is the centrepiece of the town and operated by Historic Scotland, while the Priorwood Walled Garden and Trimontium Exhibition are also worth a visit.

Overnight Melrose

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fiorlin | Bed and breakfast

Fiorlin is a detached house of character set within its own walls in a quiet location near the town centre, tastefully decorated with a blue and white theme and natural wood finishes. The accommodation is self-contained, affording good privacy for guests. There is a sitting/dining room on the ground floor and en-suite double and twin/family bedrooms on the upper floor.

Burts Hotel | Guest House

Burts Hotel is a listed building and has been restored and extended to retain its original charm. The 20 en-suite rooms have been individually decorated to make your stay restful and relaxing. The award-winning restaurant is one of Scotland’s finest and has been awarded two AA Rosettes every year since 1995.

George and Abbotsford Hotel | Hotel

This 18^th century listed hotel is ideally situated on the High Street in Melrose, perfect for guests walking the St Cuthbert’s Way. You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this family run hotel. With 30 en suite bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant, and WiFi in public areas, you have everything you need to set you up ready for the walk ahead!

Day 2 Walk from Melrose to Harestanes and transfer to Jedburgh 15 miles / 24 km

The day starts with a steep climb of the Eildon Hills, which is rewarded by fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. You may also choose to climb from the saddle to the summit at 422m if you are feeling energetic. From the saddle, the way drops steadily through Bowden and then along Bowden Burn to Newton St Boswells, which has refreshments available. Shortly after leaving the town, you re-join the River Tweed and follow it to St Boswells.

Leaving St Boswells, you follow the River Tweed once more before diverting away from it, just before the hamlet of Maxton. After a short section of minor road, you then join Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road before reaching Harestanes, where you will be met for your 15 minute transfer to Jedburgh.

Ascent: 388m (1,273ft) / Descent: 412m (1,352ft)

Overnight Jedburgh

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Allerton House | Guest House

Allerton House is a 4-star guest house located in the historic Royal Burgh of Jedburgh. They have six spacious, uniquely furnished bedrooms, each with its own character.

Meadhon House | Guest House

Built in 1653, Meadhon House is the oldest house in the Castlegate. Along with its other claims to fame, it was used by Bonnie Prince Charlie horses on his ill-fated ride south in 1745. All guest rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay along with great views of the surrounding landscape.

The Royal Hotel | Hotel

Once a 19th Century Coaching Inn, The Royal Hotel is now a comfortable family run hotel in the centre of Jedburgh. They have 10 en-suite bedrooms all fitted with flat screen TVs and have tea and coffee making facilities.

Day 3 Transfer to Harestanes and walk to Morebattle 11 miles / 18 km

After a short transfer from Jedburgh to Harestanes, begin the days walk by crossing the driveway of Monteviot House and the River Teviot. Passing the junction of the Teviot and Jed Water, you once again join Dere Street. As the road rises and falls in its determination to keep in a straight line, pleasant vistas of the Cheviots open up and your path now leads you to the remains of Cessford Castle.

From here to Morebattle the route allows the opportunity to study the flora and fauna of the area, including the lovely little purple flower, meadow cranesbill.

Please note that if accommodation in Morebattle is fully booked, you will stay overnight in Kirk Yetholm instead, resulting in a total of 2 nights in Kirk Yetholm. The cost of the return transfer is included in the tour price.

Ascent: 309m (1,104ft) / Descent: 282m (952ft)

Overnight Morebattle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Templehall Hotel | Hotel

Templehall Hotel is family owned and run by a local couple who will welcome you in to this comfortable traditional Scottish Borders hotel. The cosy public bar serves good beers and a selection of malt whiskeys. Lunches and evening meals are served in the bar or dining room. Their chef's menu is freshly prepared using local produce where possible and includes a variety of daily specials and delicious homemade sweets.

Mill House | Bed and breakfast

This award-winning bed and breakfast has outstanding views of the village of Town Yetholm and offers a very homely stay. All rooms are en-suite have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay including small additional extras. They also have a large drawing room with balcony, which has free wifi and a large flat screen TV.

The Border Hotel | Hotel

Lyndsey and Scott would like to welcome you to the Border Hotel. They are a family run small hotel situated in Kirk Yetholm. They have five high quality newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms which have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. The Public Bar is open all day and offers a range of lagers including a selection of real ales. It is a true local bar with character and charm.

Day 4 Walk from Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm 7 miles / 11 km

A footbridge over the Kale leads you to a day's walking through fields and over stiles, with fine views back over Morebattle framed by the Eildon Hills.

At this point comes one of the steepest climbs of the whole walk to the top of Wideopen Hill, with more spectacular views towards Yetholm and its loch. You descend into the valley of Bowmont Water and into Kirk Yetholm. Here, there are fine thatched cottages, reminders of its origins as a farm township, and it is also home to the north end of the Pennine Way, which starts in Edale in Derbyshire, some 270 miles away.

Ascent: 316m (1036ft) / Descent: 268m (880ft)

Overnight Kirk Yetholm

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Mill House | Bed and breakfast

The Border Hotel | Hotel

The Plough Hotel | Hotel

Mother and daughter team, Sandi and Zoe Keddie offer you a warm welcome to the Plough Hotel. It is in the middle of the village, makes it the natural centre of social life and offers such comforts as, real ales and top quality home cooking.

Day 5 Walk from Kirk Yetholm to Wooler 13.5 miles / 22 km

As well as crossing the border into England, today traverse the Cheviots which means negotiating some ups and downs as you travel east to Wooler. You will be walking atop the hills for much of the day and this means more great views. You will pass by Yeavering Bell, just to the left of the path. It is Northumberland’s largest hill fort, covering an area of over 5 hectares and said to have been one of the tribal strongholds of the Votadini, who inhabited this area in Roman times.

Ascent: 553m (1,814ft) / Descent: 588m (1,929ft)

Overnight Wooler

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Old Mill B&B | Bed and breakfast

The Old Mill is a detached three-storey house located on the edge of Wooler. Carefully converted, this property has plenty of charm and character and offers spacious, well equipped accommodation.

Tankerville Arms Hotel | Hotel

The Tankerville Arms is a privately run 17 bedroom hotel on the outskirts of the beautiful town of Wooler in North Northumberland. Owned and ran by the family for 30 years, who pride themselves on friendly, helpful and welcoming reception. All rooms are ensuite and have TV, tea/coffee making facilities and WIFI.

Black Bull Inn | Inn

The Black Bull Inn is a 17th Century Coaching Inn standing in the main street of Wooler. It still retains much of its original character and is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of Northumberland. The inn is fully licensed and serves good homemade food every lunchtime and evening in the restaurant or in the bar areas. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The bedrooms have hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities and TV.

Day 6 Walk from Wooler to Fenwick/Beal 12.5 miles / 20 km

Wooler is the largest town in the Cheviot Hills area. It was founded in the 12th century and has been a market town since the 13th century. It still has one of the most important livestock markets in northeast England. Today brings you closer to the coast as you enjoy a pleasant mix of farmland and forest. Follow quiet trails through Weetwood Moor, part of which lies between the nearby hills and the coastal plain. Cross Weetwood Bridge and the 18th century Weetwood Hall, then continue on to Fenwick or Beal.

Depending on your overnight accommodation you will be staying in either Fenwick or Beal. Beal is slightly closer to the coast and adds roughly 4.5km onto your day (making it 24.5km). As a result, the next day to Holy Island is slightly shorter as you will be closer. If you would prefer a taxi transfer from Fenwick to Beal (optional, at an additional cost), please let us know in advance so this can be organised.

Ascent: 324m (1,063ft) / Descent: 379m (1,243ft)

Overnight Fenwick

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fenwick B&B | Bed and breakfast

Situated at Aidanfield, a detached house on the edge of the village, and set in its own private grounds with spectacular views of the coastline, Holy Island and rolling countryside.

Lindisfarne Inn | Inn

The 21 modern, lodge-style en-suite rooms located in the inn's former stable block alongside the main building. All are double glazed with central heating and have colour TVs and a well-stocked tea and coffee tray. Following a restful night you will surely enjoy the full Northumberland breakfast. Wi-Fi is accessible in the main bar. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after a day’s walking!

Day 7 Walk from Fenwick/Beal to Lindisfarne 6 miles / 10 km

This section is said to be one of the most spectacular along the way. The scenery is unique and although you follow the road for most of the way to Holy Island, the changing vistas and abundant birdlife will keep you occupied. This area is popular with wading birds because of the variety of food on Lindisfarne's mudflats. Keep your eyes peeled for Godwits, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Curlews and Redshanks.

Holy Island is one of Europe’s most famous Christian places and it has a wealth of sites that relate to its eventful history. St Cuthbert’s name and life inspired the building of the Lindisfarne Priory which began in about 1120. There is also a castle which was ordered to be built by Henry VIII as Holy Island held great strategic importance centuries ago.

Depending on your overnight accommodation you will be setting off from either Fenwick or Beal. Beal is slightly closer to the coast and therefore today's route will be slightly shorter if you are leaving from here (7km).

Ascent: 14m (46ft) / Descent: 43m (141ft)

Overnight Lindisfarne

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Manor House Hotel | Hotel

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check in at the Manor House Hotel! Their recently refurbished Island Bar is open throughout the day for tea and coffee, or for those who fancy a tipple or two they serve an array of wines, spirits and beers including the locally produced Lindisfarne mead. The restaurant and garden are also open daily for lunch and dinner; whenever possible their dishes are prepared from seasonal and local produce.

Lindisfarne Hotel | Hotel

The Lindisfarne Hotel was built in 1902 and has been fully modernised with 8 refurbished en-suite rooms, which have all the amenities that you require for a comfortable night’s stay. They also have a guest lounge and dining room, patio and grassed garden area for those warm summer evenings.

The Ship Inn | Inn

Formerly called the Northumberland Arms it was during 1995 that a major renovation programme was undertaken and the business was renamed as The Ship Inn, although the Islanders still affectionately refer to the pub as "The Tavern". The Ship Inn is now proud of being awarded a 4 star hotel rating by the English Tourist Council and it's great reputation for the food and drink that it serves. They offer a wide variety of ales, beers, wines and spirits and each meal is cooked using local fresh ingredients.

Day 8 Onward Travel

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
Breakfast each morning
Baggage transfers
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to Melrose / from Lindisfarne
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest aiports to Melrose. From Edinburgh airport you can take the tram (35 minutes)/airport shuttle bus (25 minutes)/taxi (20 minutes) into the city centre. From Newcastle airport into the city centre it's a 20 minute taxi or 35 minutes on the metro to reach the central train station.

By Train: From Edinburgh city centre take a train (1 hour) south to Tweedbank. Tweedbank station is just a 10 minute bus journey from Melrose, see the Borders Buses website for timetables. Alternatively, if arriving in Newcastle, from the city centre it's a 45 minute train journey to Berwick-Upn-Tweed followed by a 1 hr 25 minute bus journey to Melrose.

By Bus: Melrose and Jedburgh are both served by National Express buses. If arriving in Newcastle airport it's possible to travel by bus to Jedburgh (1hr 20 minutes) and from Jedburgh to Melrose (40 minutes). Please mote that the timetable from the airport to Jedburgh is very limited, make sure to plan your journey well in advance and pre-book tickets where possible.

By Car: We generally recommend using public transport as secure public long stay parking is very limited in Melrose. However, if arriving by car you can return to Melrose to collect your car from the Holy Island by bus (1hr 30 minutes), check the Borders Buses website for timetables.

Getting from the End

By Bus/Taxi: From Holy Island take the Borders Buses 477 bus service to Berwick Upon Tweed (30 minutes). Please note that buses are limited, not operating on Sundays, early in the morning or later in the evening from Monday-Saturday. A pre-booked local taxi (25 minutes) is the easiest alternative. UK-wide links for onward travel are possible from Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

By Train: Arrive in Berwick-Upon-Tweed by bus or taxi as above for rail connections to Edinburgh (45 minutes) or Newcastle (45 minutes). To book and for timetable details see the National Rail website.

By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest airports to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. From Edinburgh Haymarket station to Edinburgh Airport a Citylink shuttle bus (25 minutes) or the tram (35 minutes) are the best public transport options, alternatively a taxi (20 minutes) is also possible. To reach Newcastle Airport from Newcastle city centre it's 35 minutes on the metro or a 20 minute taxi.

For more information the Traveline website is a good tool for planning travel by public transport in the UK.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation each day. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.