Walking Tours in united-kingdom
St. Cuthbert's Way
The St. Cuthbert’s way is a 62 mile / 100 km trail which links places associated with the life of St.Cuthbert as well as a host of Roman and mediaeval features which reflect the long period of strife this border region has experienced. This beautiful and varied walk culminates in the crossing to Lindisfarne Island along a causeway which is only exposed at low tide.
Cuthbert, who became a saint in the 7th century, was a native of the borders. He began his work at Melrose Abbey, where he eventually became Bishop. When he died he was buried on Holy Island. He was canonised as a saint eleven years after his death, when his coffin was opened and his remains were found to be perfectly preserved. In his ‘after life’ he enjoyed some excitement when monks moved the coffin to St. Cuthbert’s Cave (featured on the walk) to escape Viking raiders. From the pleasant border town of Melrose, with the remains of its famous Cistercian abbey said to be the burial place of Robert The Bruce’s heart, the trail winds over the conical covered Eildon Hills, with spectacular all - round views of the Tweed Valley. You continue onto the small “Green” Village of Ancrum and then across country well known to the thieving border Reivers to Morebattle and over moorlands to the village of Kirk Yetholm, at the northern end of the Pennine Way. From here you skirt the northern slopes of the wild Cheviot Hills, crossing the beautiful College Valley, on the way to the little market town of Wooler, finally crossing the border into England. The trail crosses moors and pastures to Fenwick, from where there is a short transfer to the accommodation at Lowick. The final day’s walk crosses the famous sandy tidal causeway to Lindisfarne with its castle and Abbey ruins. There is an optional two night extension to Banburgh and then on to Craster, past two tremendous castles and (weather permitting) you may like to take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, Britain’s very own Galapagos! This is a National Trust reserve that protects the largest breeding population of Atlantic Grey Seals and a whole host of bird species.
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