
St Cuthbert’s Way
St Cuthbert’s Way follows the story of a 7th century saint who traveled through Scotland and northern England, spreading the Gospel and performing healing miracles. Beginning at Melrose, where the saint started his ministry, and ending at Holy Island where he ended his days, the trail passes through scenery of great variety and beauty.
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Self Guided
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Walking
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Activity Level Moderate
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- Exploring the attractive borders towns of Melrose, Bowden and Jedburgh.
- Admiring far-reaching views over the border country from the slopes of the Eildon Hills.
- Spending the night on the tranquil Holy Island, with its 16th century Lindisfarne Castle and Priory, home to the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Bridging the national border between Scotland and England, this 62-mile 7 night walking tour, takes in the entire St Cuthbert’s Way, staying in accommodation on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne at the end of the walk. This is a great opportunity to spend more time exploring this historical island and provides a spectacular finale for your walking holiday.
St Cuthbert’s Way follows the story of a 7th century saint who traveled through Scotland and northern England, spreading the Gospel and performing healing miracles. Beginning at Melrose, where the saint started his ministry, and ending at Holy Island where he ended his days, the trail passes through scenery of great variety and beauty.
The walk takes in heather-clad hills, tranquil riverbanks and old Roman roads, visiting attractive villages and border towns along the way. Particular sites of interest include the ruin of Dryburgh Abbey, Cessford Castle, St Cuthbert’s Cave and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, complete with its ruined abbey and spectacular castle.
Important information
Note: The causeway on to Holy Island can only be crossed during low tide. Before booking please check the Holy Island Safe Crossing Times here.
- 7 nights accommodation in en-suite rooms (where available) in selected B&B’s, hotels, inns and guesthouses along the trail, or a short distance away via taxi provided at our expense.
- Breakfast each day.
- Door to door luggage transfer.
- Maps with the route marked on and a guidebook or route notes describing the trail.
- An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night and a packing list.
- Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday and back from the end of it.
Trail Facts
Total distance: 62 miles (99km).
Duration: 8 days/7 nights, 6 days walking
Minimum/maximum daily distances: 7 miles (11km)/15 miles (24km)
Waymarking: The trail is easy to follow with the assistance of the guidebook and maps provided.
Season: Start on any Saturday from March 7 to October 31 (other days of the week on request)
Tour Starts: Melrose.
Tour Ends: Holy Island.
Nearest Available Airport: Edinburgh airport or London Heathrow.
- Day 1 Travel to Melrose where your first night's accommodation has been booked
- Day 2 Melrose to Harestanes(T). 15 miles (24km)
- Day 3 Today starts with an invigorating climb over the iconic Eildon Hills, whose triple peaks are one of the best loved landmarks of the Scottish Borders. Dropping down into the village of Bowden, the route winds its way through gentle farmland and woodland, then along the tranquil banks of the Rivers Tweed. As you end enter the village of Maxton, you'll be following in the footsteps of the Romans who built the original road, now a tree lined grassy track, passing Lady Lilliar's Tomb.
- Day 4 Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm. 7.5 miles (12km)
- Day 5 Kirk Yetholm to Wooler. 13 miles (21km)
- Day 6 Wooler to Fenwick(T). 11.5 miles (18.5km)
- Day 7 Fenwick(T) to Holy Island. 7 miles (11km)
- Day 8 Depart from Holy Island after breakfast

7 nights accommodation in en-suite rooms with private bathrooms (where available) in selected guesthouses, inns and hotels and B&B’s.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are walking on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Walker or Single Supplements apply respectively:
Singles: Add $72 per night for a single room; solo traveler: add $93 per night
Whether you want to spend a day exploring, writing postcards or resting your weary feet, an extra night is a wonderful way to extend your holiday and experience more of the sights and sounds on St Cuthbert’s Way.
Many people choose to have an extra night in Melrose at the start of the trail so that they can explore this charming Borders town with its magnificent ruined abbey. Others take one of the frequent buses to Sir Walter Scott’s former home at Abbotsford, which lies 3 miles west of Melrose.
If you would like to visit Jedburgh, an attractive town with many interesting sites including a grand ruined abbey, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum and Mary Queen of Scots’ House, consider taking an extra night in Harestanes. A popular short walk from Harestanes leads up to the Waterloo Monument, a superb viewpoint.
Another popular choice for an extra night is at the end of the trail on the beautiful island of Lindisfarne, with its Magnificent castle, ruined priory and museum and attractive little harbor.
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
Extra night (Standard) $114.00 per person / per night
Extra night (Holy Island) $140.00 per person / per night
Arrival in Melrose. The nearest rail station to the start of the trail (Melrose) is at Tweedbank (about 6 miles away). Trains furn regularly from Edinburgh city center to Tweedbank (1 hr). Trains run from London Kings Cross station to Tweedbank (approx 5 hrs 50 min). From there a bus/taxi will be required to Melrose.
Departure from Holy Island. The nearest rail station to the end of the trail (Lindisfarne) is at Berwick-upon-Tweed (about 13.5 miles away). Trains to Edinburgh on a frequent schedule (approx 45 min); train to London Kings Cross (3 hrs 40 min).