St Cuthbert's Way

St. Cuthbert, who became a prior at Melrose Abbey about 651AD, is reputed to have walked this route to Lindisfarne in 664AD. St Cuthbert's journey has been the inspiration for creating this modern route through the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills.

The route begins at Melrose Abbey, well worth exploring, and very soon takes the walker across the distinctive and glorious Eildon Hills. Then follows a lovely part of the River Tweed and a short stretch along the Roman Dere Street. In contrast, open moorland lies ahead, leading eventually to a link-up with the end of the Pennine Way at Kirk Yetholm. A superb stretch of hill walking across the Cheviots takes the walker from Scotland into England's Northumberland and a descent into Hethpool. Picturesque scenery can be enjoyed during the walk to the delightful market town of Wooler. Later highlights of the walk include Weetwood Moor, the Kyloe Hills, St Cuthbert's Cave and, last but not least, the causeway across to Lindisfarne Priory and Castle. You will be captivated by Holy Island, a site of religious culture and inspiration since the 7th century. The crossing of the Holy Island causeway at Beal provides an exciting culmination to this wonderful walk.

It should take four or five days to walk the entire route in comfort, although it can also be tackled in short sections at different times. It is often walked in reverse, from east to west.

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