St. Cuthbert’s Way
€1070
per person
St Cuthbert’s Way is a famous historic self-guided walking trail crossing the borders between Scotland and the Northumberland countryside. It finishes at the shores of the Holy Island, where St Cuthbert served as Bishop. Nowadays, it remains one of the most popular Christian pilgrim sites in Europe.
You will have the opportunity to explore many places associated with St Cuthbert and his life. You will walk a well-marked trail through dense forests, lush moorland, rolling farmland and across a causeway. You will have come in close contact with wonderful religious historic sites such as the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey and the cave where St Cuthbert’s where his remains are stored.
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Destination
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Duration8 (6-9) Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
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What is includedHand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation incl. breakfast; Luggage transfers; Transfer to your accommodation if a part of the package; Digital access to detailed roabook, maps and GPS tracks; Emergency phone support;
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What is not includedTravel to the start or from the finish of the walk; Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks; Travel Insurance; Personal equipment; Transport when you need to skip a stage.
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September
1
Day 1. Arrival at Melrose
Arrive in the charming little market town of Melrose, located on the Scottish borders. Take the time to do some sightseeing in the afternoon. Visit the Melrose Abbey, operated by Historic Scotland, or take a walk in the Priorwood Walled Garden.
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Day 2. Melrose - Harestanes / Overnight Jedburgh (24km, 6-7hrs, +/-450m)
The first hiking day of your self-guided itinerary starts with a steep climb to Eildon Hills where you will have some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can also challenge yourself by climbing from the saddle to the summit. Your trail descends from the saddle to Newton St Boswells through Bowden Burn. Continue through St Boswells and the picturesque rolling scenery of the Scottish Borders. Yout trail joins the ancient Roman Road and gradually takes you to Harestanes.
3
Day 3. Harestanes - Morebattle (18km, 4-5hrs, +/-100m)
Today's section of the independent walking tour offers great views of the Cheviots as you follow a path to the Cessford Castle. From there continue to Morebattle contemplating some lovely wildflowers along the way.
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Day 4. Morebattle - Kirk Yetholm (11km, 3-3,30hrs, +/-250m)
After a hearty breakfast, you cross a footbridge over the river Kale as you follow today’s section of the self-guided hiking route through fields and over stiles. Take the time to look back and enjoy the view of Morebattle and the neighboring Eildon Hills. Prepare for the steepest ascent of this tour as you hike to the top of Wideopen Hill. Reward yourself with the breathtaking views of Yetholm and its loch. Descend towards Kirk Yetholm through the beautiful valley of Bowmont Water.
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Day 5. Kirk Yetholm - Wooler (22km, 6-7hrs, +/-620m)
Today’s independent walk will take you across the border between Scotland and England east to Wooler. For the bigger part of the day, you will be walking atop the hills and contemplating amazing views. Take the time to explore Yeavering Bell, Northumberland’s largest hill fort and one of the strongholds of the ancient Votadini tribe.
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Day 6. Wooler - Fenwick/Beal (20km, 6hrs, +/-400m)
The town of Wooler, founded in the 12th century, is the largest in the Cheviot Hills area and is still one of the most important livestock markets in northeastern England. Leave Wooler behind and continue towards the coast through farmland and forests and through the beautiful Weetwood Moor. Cross the wonderful arched Weetwood Bridge and pass the 18th-century Weetwood Hall on your way to Fenwick where your next overnight will be.
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Day 7. Fenwick/Beal - Lindisfarne (10km, 2,30hrs, +/-50m)
We have saved a wonderful independent hiking section of the route for your last day of walking. You follow the road to Holy Island through a mixture of beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of the diverse birdlife along the way. Holy Island is one of the most popular Christian heritage complexes in Europe and is abundant in historic buildings and sites. St. Cuthbert himself was a Bishop there and the building of Lindisfarne Priory was inspired by his figure. Don’t miss to explore the castle built by Henry VIII as the island was of particular strategic importance at the time.
*Depending on your overnight accommodation you will be setting off from either Fenwick or Beal. Beal is slightly closer to the coast and therefore today's route will be slightly shorter if you are leaving from here (7km).
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Day 8. Departure day
Your self-guided hiking tour ends after breakfast.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
1070 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 330 Euro
Solo traveler supplement: N/A (min. group size: 2 pax)
Tips
The tour can start on any day of the week between April and the end of September. One piece of luggage per person is allowed (up to 15kg).
Getting to Melrose: By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Onward travel is by rail and /or coach. By Coach: Melrose and Jedburgh are both served by National Express as well as Berwick-upon-Tweed. By Rail: Tweedbank is the main line station used to connect by bus on to Melrose. Tweedbank station is just an 8 minute bus journey from Melrose. By Road: We generally recommend using public transport as parking is generally not available in Melrose.
Getting from Lindisfarne: By Air: Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Travel by rail and/or coach from Berwick-upon Tweed. By Coach: For most services you will need to get to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Please note that bus services are limited and a taxi may be required on certain days to reach Berwick-Upon-Tweed. By Rail: You will need to get to Berwick-upon-Tweed for connections to Edinburgh & Newcastle. By Taxi: There is a local taxi service which provides the most convenient way to transfer to Berwick-upon-Tweed and further a field.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. A hearty breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have recommendations.
Send an enquiry about this tour
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