Northern Adventure Walking Man

Find The Best Walking Holidays

Northern Adventure Logo

Self Guided Walk

Walk St Cuthbert’s Way

WALK HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS

Duration

4-7 Days

Total Distance

62 Miles/100 Kms

Total Ascent

1707 Metres/5600 Feet

Fitness Level

Good

St Cuthberts Way – Where miracles happen!

St Cuthbert’s Way, sometimes referred to as St Cuthbert’s Route is a beautiful pilgrimage walk.

This self guided walking holiday will take you from the Abbey at Melrose through the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders and Cheviot Hills, to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne just off the Northumbrian coast.

Cuthbert’s Way is the perfect place to learn about St Cuthbert, “the wonder-worker”. Born in 634AD, he was an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk, bishop and eventually hermit, who became one of the most venerated English saints!

Gallery

Walk St Cuthberts Way

IMG_0105
IMG_7628
IMG_5745
Holy Island Statue of St Cuthbert
Holy Island Lindisfarne Castle
IMG_0105 IMG_7628 IMG_5745 Holy Island Statue of St Cuthbert Holy Island Lindisfarne Castle

Route Highlights along St Cuthbert’s Way

Melrose Abbey

Arguably the most famous ruin in Scotland, this abbey boasts beautiful, decorated masonry. The surviving remains are early 15th century and many objects found in the excavation can be viewed in the Commendator’s House. Packed with history, this abbey is even thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.

Priorwood Garden

Set in Melrose Abbey, Priorwood Garden was the first area in Scotland that was dedicated to drying flowers. While a lot of the flowers were grown solely for this purpose, the views are no less stunning and the vibrant foliage will make for the perfect photo opportunity!

Cheviot Hills

Sat within the Northumberland National Park, the Cheviots are a range of rolling hills straddling the Anglo-Scottish border between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. Showcasing some of the most stunning archaeological landscapes in England, the Cheviots will ensure a breath-taking adventure.

Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

This enchanting island can only be accessed via a tidal causeway twice a day, but it sure is worth it. Packed with history dating back to 6th century, It has become an important centre of Christianity due to the presence of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert. The island houses the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the restored Lindisfarne Castle and is bustling with nature.

Suggested Itinerary: 4 Day walking holiday

Grading: Strenuous if walked over 4 Days

Day 0 - Arrive at Melrose

Day 1 -  Melrose to Harestanes (15 miles)

Day 2 -  Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm (17.5 miles)

Day 3 -  Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (13.5 miles)

Day 4 - Wooler to Holy Island (18 miles)

Day 5 - Depart Holy Island

Other Suggested Itineraries

Grading: Demanding if walked over 5 days.

Overview:
  • Day 0 – Arrive at Melrose
  • Day 1 – Melrose to Harestanes (15 miles/24km)
  • Day 2 – Harestanes to Morebattle (10.5 miles/16.5km)
  • Day 3 – Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm. (7 miles/11.5km)
  • Day 4 - Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (13.5 miles/21.5km)
  • Day 5 – Wooler to Holy Island (18 miles/28.5km)
  • Day 6 – Depart Holy Island

Grading: Moderate-Demanding if walked over 6 days.

Overview:
  • Day 0 – Arrive at Melrose
  • Day 1 – Melrose to Harestanes (15 miles/24km)
  • Day 2 – Harestanes to Morebattle (10.5 miles/16.5km)
  • Day 3 – Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm (7 miles/11.5km)
  • Day 4 – Kirk Yetholm to Wooler  (13.5 miles/21.5km)
  • Day 5 – Wooler to Fenwick (11 miles/18km) 
  • Day 6 – Fenwick to Holy Island (6.5 miles/10.5km)
  • Day 7 – Depart Holy Island 

Grading: Moderate if walked over 7 days.

Overview:
  • Day 0 – Arrive at Melrose
  • Day 1 – Melrose to St Boswell (7 miles/11.5km)
  • Day 2 – St Boswell to Harestanes (8 miles/12.5km)
  • Day 3 – Harestanes to Morebattle (10.5 miles/16.5km)
  • Day 4 – Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm (7 miles/11.5km)
  • Day 5 – Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (13.5 miles/21.5km)
  • Day 6 – Wooler to Fenwick (11 miles/18km) 
  • Day 7 – Fenwick to Holy Island (6.5 miles/10.5km)
  • Day 8 – Depart Holy Island 

Fully Flexible packages on our self guided holidays

All of our trips are fully flexible to your requirements, tell us what you are after and we can try and tailor our packages to suit your requirements, including:

  • Additional nights prior to, during, or after the trip
  • Transfers to the start and from the finish.
  • Collection from the airport, ferry or train station
  • Shortened itinerary where you only want to do a section of the route
  • Extended itinerary where you want to add sightseeing or loop days to the route
  • Large, or corporate group bookings and looking for additional support/guiding

 

You are free to start your walk on any day of your preference between March and October.

We cannot guarantee trips until accommodation availability has been confirmed.

Maps and Information

The route is very well way-marked and you will be provided with the relevant maps, route notes, GPX files and accommodation information.

However, we always recommend that on all of our trips everyone is competent with navigation, especially if the weather changes and you need to make an unscheduled diversion off the route.

Terrain

The terrain of all our routes can be very varied, below is a general guide to what you can expect, and not expect, on this walk:

  • Minor Roads (Tarmac / Asphalt)
  • Paved Footpaths
  • Way-marked public footpaths / bridleways
  • Grassy unpaved open fields
  • Areas of mud / standing water
  • Sandy Beaches
  • Tidal Water
  • Rocky uneven ascents / decents
  • Requirement for “Scrambling”
  • Streams / Water Crossing (wider than 1m)
  • Risk of Slipping

This waymarked route passes through a wide variety of landscapes as it traverse across the Scottish Borders, through the Cheviot Hills to the coastline in Northumberland including rolling farmland, wooded areas, river valleys, exposed moorland and coastal sand dunes. The most fervent of walkers will also want to cross the causeway onto Holy Island via the “Pilgrims Way”, which is tidal and can only be crossed at low tide.

MAP & LOCATION

What's Included

Good Quality Accommodation on a B&B basis

All of our accommodation is on a twin/double room sharing, bed and breakfast basis, where possible we will also try and find you en-suite facilities, however this is not always possible in some locations.

Breakfasts will be either cooked or continental and be able to accommodate any food intolerances of preferences providing we are informed of such at least 7 days prior.

Single rooms are available, but will generally attract a supplementary charge.

Many of the accommodations will also provide a packed lunch if required, this will generally need to be booked direct with the accommodations at least 48 hrs prior to arrival and will be chargeable locally.

Daily Baggage Transfers

Our self-guided trips include a baggage transfer service, whereby we will move your excess baggage from accommodation to accommodation each day, allowing you to walk with just minimal emergency equipment, normally just a small backpack. 

Baggage transfer is limited to one bag per person, max weight of 15kg/bag, ideally holdall style bags 

Additional bags or heavier can be transferred if required, however these will be chargeable. 

Transfers

Some of our itineraries will include transfer to the start or from the finish of the walk either as part of the standard package or as an option, please check the individual itinerary.

Maps, Route Notes, GPX Files

You will be given a bespoke map of the route along with general information on the route each day and also a gpx file of the route should you want to download it onto your phone or navigation device

Emergency Recovery

Hopefully all will go smoothly, however accidents and problems can happen. As part of your package we include an emergency rescue service for all of our trips.

Certificate of completion

We all like a “Well done” pat on the back after doing something special or challenging. At Northern Adventures we want you to be able to prove to your friends that you did it by giving you a certificate to say “I DID IT” You will also get one of our super special Northern Adventure Buffs.

What's Not Included

Meals and drinks outside of your package

Any meals or drinks, other than those specifically included in your package.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend that ALL travellers have insurance, even if you are a UK citizen

Taxi or Other Transfers

Taxi or other transfers, other than detailed on your itinerary are not included.

However, transfers are available on request.

Parking

Long term parking available in Jedburgh

Available trip options for St Cuthbert's Way

Please use our booking form to choose your preferred option, and remember if theres something you don’t see here don’t hesitate to ask!

Duration Options

Optional Extras

Grab your Walking Equipment Packing List

Not sure what to bring? Don’t fret! We have an essentials list so you don’t forget a thing!

DATES & PRICES

JAN

FEB

MAR

null

APR

null

MAY

null

JUN

null

JUL

null

AUG

null

SEP

null

OCT

null

NOV

DEC

No of People No of Nights No of Days Walking Standard (Guest House) Package Price/Person Luxury (Hotel) Package (where available) Price/Person
Up to 4 5 4 £695 NA
5 – 8 5 4 £675 NA
9 or more 5 4 £655 NA
Up to 4 6 5 £825 NA
5 – 8 6 5 £805 NA
9 or more 6 5 £785 NA
Up to 4 7 6 £945 NA
5 – 8 7 6 £925 NA
9 or More 7 6 £905 NA
Up to 4 8 7 £1065 NA
5 – 8 8 7 £1045 NA
9 or More 8 7 £1025 NA
Single Room Supplement +£60.00/night NA
Solo Walker Supplement + 50% + 50%
 Pets (where allowed) On Request On Request

– Prices are for guidance only, there may be seasonal or regional variations based on travel dates and accommodation availability, any variations will be confirmed at time of booking.

– Prices are per person and are based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room on a B&B basis and includes baggage transfers, maps, route notes, emergency recovery and transfers.  Where possible all rooms will be ensuite, however we cannot guarantee this at busier periods.

– Our luxury package is often only available as a double room option, please ask if you require twin rooms.

– Additional nights before or after, or stop overs during your trip can be added.

– PLEASE NOTE: We can tailor any package to fit your specific requirements, just let us know what you require.

** OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION  ON HOLY ISLAND WILL INCUR A MINIMUM £35/PERSON SUPPLEMENT DUE TO INCREASED ACCOMMODATION PRICES AND ACCESS LIMITATIONS. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCOMMODATION IS VERY LIMITED ON THE ISLAND AND WE CANNOT GUARANTEE IT UNTIL BOOKINGS ARE CONFIRMED**

We do offer discounts for family groups with younger children where they are sharing a family room – just contact us to find out more!

BOOK THIS HOLIDAY

Leave your details below to book a holiday and a member of our
booking team will be in touch to confirm the booking and to take
payment.

    Or alternatively contact us using the below details

    More Walking Holidays

    Cateran Hole & Bewick Moor

    3 - 4hrs
    8.4 miles / 13.5 kms
    250m
    Moderate
    From / Per Person

    Cocklawfoot to Windy Gyle and Cheviot

    4-7 hrs
    14.4 miles / 23.5 kms
    2640ft
    Good
    From / Per Person

    The Drake Stone – Harbottle

    2 hrs
    5.25 miles / 7 kms
    190m
    Moderate
    From / Per Person

    Safety First

    Committed to your safety. Once you arrive, trust us to ensure you’ll be in the best hands.

    Bespoke Experiences

    Tell us what you want, from transfers to pets and extended stays. We can plan unique trips just for you.

    Great Guides

    Our guides know everything there is know about Northumberland and the surrounding area.