Tour Overview
Embark on an 8-day journey along St Cuthbert's Way, traversing the scenic border country from Scotland to England. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the breathtaking Cheviot Hills, with highlights including the historic Lindisfarne Castle and Priory on Holy Island. Begin your adventure in Melrose, exploring the town and its ancient abbey, before setting off on a series of rewarding hikes. Enjoy panoramic views from the Eildon Hills, visit the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, and cross the picturesque College Valley. Each night, rest in charming B&Bs and guesthouses, with luggage transfers and route notes provided. Optional extension to Bamburgh available. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Melrose
Location: Melrose
Accommodation Name: guesthouses/pubs
An opportunity to explore the town and visit the Abbey church, a 12th century foundation that is now a magnificent ruin. Recent discoveries at the site include what is thought to be the heart of Robert the Bruce, buried in a lead casket. Dependent on your time of arrival it may also be possible to visit Sir Walter Scott’s former home at Abbotsford 3 miles away, using taxi or local bus service.
Accommodation: We use a number of guesthouses/pubs in this busy village. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Melrose to Harestanes visitor centre, taxi transfer to Jedburgh 24 km/15 miles
Location: Jedburgh
Accommodation Name: Allerton House
Meals Included: Breakfast
Straight into the walk with a long rewarding day. Walk over the steep-sided Eildon Hills (402m and 404m), which provide panoramic views of the Tweed valley. Descend to Newtown St Boswells and follow the banks of the Tweed. Just across the River Tweed and accessible by a footbridge is Dryburgh Abbey, another superb ruin and the site of Sir Walter Scott’s grave. From St Boswells continue along the riverbank footpath for about 4 miles to Maxton, and then strike off along Dere Street (an ancient Roman roadway) towards Harestanes visitors centre where we have organized for a taxi to collect you and take you to your accommodation in Jedbergh, (included).
Accommodation: Allerton House is a welcoming Georgian House set in a lovely, sizeable garden giving the impression that is is in the middle of the country when, in fact is only 5 mins walk to the main town.
Day 3 : Transfer from Jedburgh to Harestanes walk to Morebattle 18.3 km/11.4 miles
Location: Jedburgh
Accommodation Name: Templehall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return by taxi to Harestanes (included) and then cross the River Teviot. At Jedfoot bridge join the old Roman Road of Dere Street for a few miles until fairly near to the hamlet of Crailinghall. Next the trail passes the tower of Cessford Castle, which was built in the 15th Century by the Ker Clan and abandoned in the 17th Century. You reach the neat Borders village of Morebattle for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Templehall Hotel is a small country hotel which sits amidst the rolling landscape and valleys of the western Cheviot Hills.
Day 4 : Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm 10 km/6 miles
Location: Kirk Yetholm
Accommodation Name: The Plough Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is only a relatively short day, but has a steep ascent. From Morebattle the route crosses the Kale water river before ascending steeply to Wideopen Hill 369m where the views are literally wide open! Shortly descend to stroll alongside and then cross-attractive Bowmont Water. You then come to our next night’s stop at Kirk Yetholm, just at the northern end of the Pennine Way, Britain’s first long distance trail.
Accommodation: The Plough Hotel is centrally located in this small village. The Plough is officially a listed and protected building of architectural importance.
Day 5 : Kirk Yetholm to Wooler 22 km/13.6 miles
Location: Wooler
Accommodation Name: Tilldale Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today cross the border into England. The terrain becomes hillier, the trail steeper and the views wider as you traverse the northern sector of the Cheviot Hills within the Northumberland National Park, crossing the beautiful College Valley, before descending to Wooler, a market town since the 13th century.
Accommodation: Tilldale Guesthouse is a small family run establishment on the high street in this pleasant market town. The property dates back to the 17th century but offers up to date modern comforts.
Day 6 : To Fenwick 20 km/12.4 miles - transfer to Lowick 5.6 km/3.5 miles by road
Location: Fenwick
Accommodation Name: The White Swan Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
The route crosses the rolling terrain of Westwood and Football Moors, passing St Cuthbert’s cave, where the saint’s body was taken during the flight of the monks from Lindisfarne in 875AD after a Viking raid. You then descend through forests and agricultural land to reach Fenwick near the main road. There is a phone box here to enable you to phone the Inn where you are staying tonight in order to transfer you to Lowick.
Accommodation: The White Swan Inn was originally built as a farmhouse in the early 18th century.
Day 7 : Transfer to Fenwick and walk to Holy Island 9.5 km/5.9 miles
Location: Holy Island
Accommodation Name: hotel in Lindisfarne
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will be transferred back to Fenwick, from where you cross the main roads before taking the appropriately named ‘Fisher’s Back Road’ down to the causeway across the sands to Lindisfarne. The causeway is covered by the tide for up to 5 hours in every 12, so correct timing is essential. This should be preplanned when you book your holiday and we can inform you of the timings. While exploring the island you should visit the Priory ruins (12th to 16th century), and between April and September, the 16th century castle, which is filled with Flemish furniture and featured in the films ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Cul-de-Sac’ by Roman Polanski.
Accommodation: Lindisfarne (Holy Island). In the only village on Holy Island, your hotel is situated in the centre. We do however have to use a number of hotels on the island due to its popularity.
Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Holy Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in B&Bs -
7 breakfasts
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7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
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One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
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Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
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Emergency hotline
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Transfer on day 2, 3, 6, 7
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GPX tracks of each walk
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Lunch, Dinner and drinks
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance
What's Not Included
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Lunch, Dinner and drinks
Meals other than breakfast are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Transportation to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers during the trip are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Charges for excess luggage are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
An additional supplement is required for solo travelers or single room bookings.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is provided.
Accommodation
7 nights in B&Bs. Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other places might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Baths: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.
Grading
Moderate graded walk, with some steep ascents and descents and some boggy, muddy terrain. Daily distances vary between 5 miles / 8.5 km and 14 miles / 22.5 km.
When walking early or late in the season, you need to be mindful of shorter daylight hours and be prepared for changeable weather conditions.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided on days 2, 3, 6, and 7. On day 2, a taxi transfer is arranged from Harestanes visitor centre to Jedburgh. On day 3, a return taxi transfer from Jedburgh to Harestanes is included. On day 6, a transfer from Fenwick to Lowick is provided. On day 7, a transfer from Lowick to Fenwick is included. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights in B&Bs. The accommodation typically includes guesthouses and pubs, with many rooms offering ensuite or private facilities. However, other places might be used if the usual choices are full or closed.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred from Inn to Inn.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes an information pack with route notes and maps, an emergency hotline, and GPX tracks of each walk. Additionally, there are transfers on days 2, 3, 6, and 7.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are moderately graded, with some steep ascents and descents and some boggy, muddy terrain. Daily distances vary between 5 miles (8.5 km) and 14 miles (22.5 km).
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What happens if I arrive early in Melrose on the first day?
If you arrive early in Melrose, you have the opportunity to explore the town and visit the Abbey church, a 12th-century foundation that is now a magnificent ruin. You may also visit Sir Walter Scott’s former home at Abbotsford, 3 miles away, using a taxi or local bus service.
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What is the significance of St Cuthbert’s cave?
St Cuthbert’s cave is where the saint’s body was taken during the flight of the monks from Lindisfarne in 875AD after a Viking raid.
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How do I cross to Holy Island on the last day?
You will cross the causeway to Holy Island, which is covered by the tide for up to 5 hours in every 12. Correct timing is essential and should be preplanned when you book your holiday. The tour organizers can inform you of the timings.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days
8 Days Starting in Melrose, Scotland and ending in Lindisfarne, England
Visiting: Melrose, Jedburgh, Kirk Yetholm, Wooler, Fenwick, Holy Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WS8
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
