Current as of: May 16, 2024 - 16:52
Current as of: May 16, 2024 - 16:52
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
At one point bishop of the great Benedictine abbey at Lindisfarne, Cuthbert began his calling in Melrose Abbey around 651, some say after a vision, and he became a saint some thirty years later when his body was exhumed and found to be in perfect condition. Taken then to Durham Cathedral, thousands of pilgrims visited his grave over many centuries until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530’s by Henry VIII. At the Farne islands where he lived for many years, his legacy lives on amongst the vast, protected bird population and the spiritual atmosphere that still draws thousands of visitors each year.
This six-night, self-guided walk begins in Melrose where St Cuthbert began his religious orders in the 7th Century at Melrose Abbey. The route crosses the Eildon Hills, and with incredible views over the border soon reaches the banks of the river Tweed. Passing castles, stately homes and pretty villages, as well as rich agricultural farmland and countryside, the route explores the border country across incredible scenery and a rich historical landscape, ending with a memorable stay on Holy Island, reached by a causeway only open at low tide. The route is well waymarked throughout and the walking itself is varied, with some easy riverside and farmland stretches as well as some rougher going on modest hills.
Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.
Highlights
Adult min age: 12
Your introduction to the St Cuthbert’s Way begins in the pretty town of Melrose, located in the Eildon Hills. There are plenty of shops and restaurants for you to while away the afternoon before your overnight stay in our chosen hotel, the George and Abbotsford (or similar).
The first section begins at the splendid 12th century Melrose Abbey, where the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried. Walk up over the iconic Eildon Hills and take a break to view an incredible vista over the Scottish Borders, towards the Moorfoot and Lammermuir Hills and the mighty Cheviots to the south. Descending from there into the village of Bowden, the path leads on through farmland and woods to Newtown St. Boswells, along the banks of the river Tweed, past the Crystal Well into the village of Maxton. Now on an old Roman road, you will continue through the village passing Lady Lilliard’s Tomb, a well visited grave due to the legend of the lady said to have fought the English at the Battle of Ancrum. If you are not too tired, make a quick detour to climb up to the Waterloo Monument, a local landmark admired by Sir Walter Scott, before returning to the village for your overnight stay. Your hotel this evening will be the Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells (or similar).
After a restful evening, the St Cuthbert’s Way is easily picked up again and at Monteviot House and leads you out to the countryside along the Monteviot Suspension Bridge. The path ventures through woodland and then farm paths to the rich agricultural land of Cessford and Cessford Castle, built in the 15th Century by the Kerrs, once notorious Border raiders and wardens of the Middle Marches, the castle was abandoned in 1650. Into the village of Morebattle, the route then takes you out along the ridge to Wideopen Hill, with stunning views over the border country on either side, this is the halfway point between Melrose and Holy Island. Continue walking on to Kirk Yetholm for your overnight stay at the Border Hotel (or similar).
Today the Way takes you along the final stretch of another walk, the Pennine Way, with a steep decent to Halterburn around Green Humbleton, an ancient hill fort before reaching the border of Scotland and England. Following mostly grassy paths, you are now in the Northumberland National Park. Travelling on through Elsdonburn to Hethpool, the route takes you through woodland and along the Cheviot foothills, heading for Yeavering Bell, Northumberland’s largest Iron Age fort, covering some 12 acres. If you are lucky, you may see some of the wild Cheviot goats here before journeying on through the heather, over Gains Law, down to the small market town of Wooler for your overnight stay. Our hotel here is the Tankerville Arms Hotel (or similar).
A shorter day as the route takes you to Weetwood Moor, with its surprising collection of prehistoric rock art. Climbing over gentle moorland, crossing undulating farmland before visiting the overhanging rock, which is said to contain St Cuthbert’s cave, the place his disciples rested on the way to Alnwick. Continuing on through woodland and gently rising until the destination, Holy Island can be seen in the distance and with Bamburgh Castle to the south. It is easy to see why this is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as the views are quite astounding. Here the trail again joins another, St. Oswald’s Way, before continuing through Shiellow Wood and the village of Fenwick. Overnight hotel will be Lindisfarne Inn at Beal (or similar).
Continue to the coast for the last section of your walk on St Cuthbert’s Way. The path will take you past Fenwick Granary and some World War Two coastal defences, still in place. At low tide, you can choose which way to arrive at Lindisfarne, along the Causeway Road or by following the historic Pilgrims Path across the sands. Remembering to check the tide times is therefore most important! An important centre of the Christian faith since the 6th century AD, the Lindisfarne Monastery was founded in 635. The island has a population of 160, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, most of whom do not stay on the island so enjoy a memorable overnight stay. Overnight hotel will be Lindisfarne Inn at Beal (or similar).
Having completed the St Cuthbert’s Way, you may choose to extend your stay with an extra night on Holy Island or begin your journey home.
All accommodation on this trip is 2, 3 or 4 star. The places you’ll be staying at are among the best in the region. Please note due to availability a comparable hotel or guesthouse may be offered at time of booking.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
Travellers from the US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
UK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.
For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
No vaccinations are obligatory.
United Kingdom's time zone: Europe/London (UTC +01:00)
United Kingdom's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
United Kingdom's currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
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