St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days

St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days

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8 Days From

$1360

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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

  • Scotland to England Through Border Country

  • Walking the Cheviot Hills

  • Lindisfarne Castle and Priory on Holy Island

  • Exploring the town of Melrose and visiting the Abbey church

  • Crossing the Eildon Hills with panoramic views of the Tweed valley

  • Visiting Dryburgh Abbey and Sir Walter Scott’s grave

  • Crossing the border into England and traversing the Cheviot Hills within the Northumberland National Park

  • Visiting St Cuthbert’s cave and descending through forests and agricultural land to Fenwick

Itinerary

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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.
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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

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in B&Bs

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available

  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg

  • Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes

  • Emergency hotline

  • Transfer on day 2, 3, 6, 7

  • GPX tracks of each walk

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

  • Entrance fees

  • Travel insurance

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What's Not Included

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

    Meals other than breakfast are not included.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.

  • 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.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

    Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

    Any unscheduled transfers during the trip are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    Charges for excess luggage are not included.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred from Inn to Inn.

  • 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.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Marguerite Carter (Google Reviewer)  

We found Walkers Britain on...

19-Jul-2023

We found Walkers Britain on google. Their communication and information was excellent. The hikes were well marked with signs. Local tourist office was excellent as well. we bought the half price rail pass which was great but probably should have got a full pass for the amount of travel we did. We loved all the hikes we did based at Meiringen Swizerland. The Hotel Accomodation at the Albach Hotel was a great location and we were well looked after. Meals were excellent. We were charged the tourist tax at the end which was mentioned ...more ...less

David Grogan (Google Reviewer)  

The Cotswolds by bicycle was...

29-Jun-2024

The Cotswolds by bicycle was a wonderful experience. Walker's Britain had selected charming B&Bs that had good facilities and pleasant owners. The biking routes were well chosen to have little to essentially no traffic, with minimal time on busy roads. The English countryside and its villages is one of the wonders of the world. ...more ...less

Iain McNeil (Google Reviewer)  

We recently visited Madeira for...

17-Apr-2024

We recently visited Madeira for a walking holiday organised by Walkers Britain. Everything from transfers and accommodation to the interactive mapping app showing the routes for our daily walks was excellent. The walks themselves were easy to moderate grade and combined places of interest with trails alongside lavadas, taking us through a variety of beautiful plants and vegetation. The bonus at the end of the trip was a night in a fantastic small boutique hotel downtown Funchal. ...more ...less

ted Mckim (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike, a chance to...

14-Oct-2024

Great hike, a chance to see England like few others have seen it, transporting the hiker back it time by centuries in some places. More tiring than expected, but worth every step. The weather cooperated for the most part and the bags always arrived at the hotel/inn on schedule. The food and ales were great (surprisingly), and the accommodations were good to satisfactory - with one exception. ...more ...less

Elaine Spencer (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 16 day...

23-May-2024

We did the 16 day rambler coast to coast walk organised by Walker's Britain, it was an amazing trip which was very well planned meaning all we had to do was follow the provided gps coordinates and walk to the next lovely accommodation where our bags were waiting to us. We met some lovely people from all over the world, had an amazing time and would definately use Walker's Britain again. ...more ...less

Terry Welch (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing walk! Take a...

06-Oct-2024

Amazing walk! Take a couple of different guide books with you in order to make route finding easier and use your GPX files. Walkers' Britain was very helpful and responsive to our questions. Excellent customer service!

Douglas Schiff (Google Reviewer)  

Three of us (ages 67,...

30-Nov-2022

Three of us (ages 67, 69, 71) - just finished the Coast to Coast trail - the 13 days of hiking version. We loved it. It was, at times, quite difficult (particularly the 24 mile day followed by a 20 mile day) - but wonderful. The accomodations done for us by Walkers Britain ranged from very good to simply outstanding. We were extraordinarily lucky to have 20 minutes of rain 1 day only. We were a little sorry we hadn't chosen a 1 day longer version and/or built in a rest day in Richmond. Also, we used the GPS files almost exclusively - very important. ...more ...less

Lauren Cuttler (Google Reviewer)  

Very happy with Walkers Britain....

11-Sep-2024

Very happy with Walkers Britain. We did the Coast to Coast in northern England. Trina, who did all the arrangements, was easy to work with, l thought prices were reasonable, loved the GPX maps that came with other resources and it was reassuring to know if there was an emergency on the walk there was someone to call. ...more ...less

Michael Howard (Google Reviewer)  

Most of the problems were...

07-Sep-2023

Most of the problems were created by the weather over which you have no control. The organization of shelter, food, and baggage transfer were very good. I found the navigation in the book a bit of a problem but as I refused to use the GPX system offered, I have only myself to blame. All in all, I felt I got my money's worth on this trip and have no hesitation in recommending it to others. ...more ...less

Marc Torrey (Google Reviewer)  

We just completed the self-guided...

18-Oct-2022

We just completed the self-guided tour of Haute Provence. We found the hiking more strenuous than expected, but well worth the effort in terms of scenery and natural beauty. The staff at the selected hotels and restaurants were all pleasant and helpful. We thought September was a good time to visit the area, as it wasn't too hot, there were no active wildfires, and we didn't have to deal with any mud. We will definitely consider Walker's Britain on our next Europe trip. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

WS8

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $1360 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.