St Cuthbert's Way Itinerary

August 31st - September 7th 2024 

Saturday 31st August 
Arrive in Melrose, then in the afternoon visit Old Melrose, a picturesque spot on a bend in the River Tweed, with a tearoom and gallery.  Overnight at Burt's Hotel

Sunday 1st September - 8 miles 
Walk over the Eildon hills to Newtown St Boswells and then across the River Tweed to Dryburgh Abbey. Time in the afternoon to explore the abbey ruins.  Overnight at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel.

Monday 2nd September - 15 miles
A longer walk but over generally flatter terrain, alongside the River Tweed and then on the ancient Roman Dere Street through fields and forests, passing Monteviot House and gardens before finishing in the pretty town of Jedburgh.  If time and energy allow, we finish the day in the ruins of Jedburgh's great abbey.  Overnight at the Spread Eagle hotel.

Tuesday 3rd September - 15 miles
Today the walk heads into the Cheviot hills, via the small villages of Crailing, Cessford and Morebattle.  The last stretch climbs over the peaks of Grubbit Law and Wideopen Hill, the highest point on the route, before descending to the twin settlements of Kirk Yetholm and Town Yetholm.  Overnight at two small local hotels.

Wednesday 4th September - 13 miles
Another day in the Cheviot hills, mostly in remote and impressive moorland, passing from Scotland into England, passing through the attractive College valley and passing the ancient hillfort at Yeavering Bell before finishing with a descent into the small town of Wooler.  Overnight at the Tankerville Arms Hotel.

Thursday 5th September - 14 miles
A day walking through fields and forests, through more moorland landscapes and along quiet country lanes.  The route passes occasional hamlets but remains remote and isolated.  The highlight is a stop at Cuthbert's Cave, a place where according to legend Cuthbert spent time when on his missionary travels and where the monks carrying Cuthbert's coffin and body spent a night when fleeing the Viking invasion.  Overnight at the Lindisfarne Inn near Beal.

Friday 6th September - 7 miles
The grand climax of the walk, passing through the village of Fenwick to reach the coast.  Then it's an hour's walk across the sands on the pilgrim's causeway onto Holy Island.  The afternoon is yours to explore this special place, before a final gathering to reflect together on what we've learned from the journey.  Overnight at the Manor House Hotel and Lindisfarne Hotel on Holy Island.

Saturday 7th September
The opportunity to spend a final morning on Holy Island.  We will arrange a taxi to transfer you to Berwick upon Tweed railway station for 2.00pm.