8-Day / 7-Night Gentle

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Melrose.

A lovely and varied hike that starts at a medieval abbey, passes through the town and then climbs over hills and moorland before continuing through woodland and farmland. The last section follows close to the peaceful River Tweed. There are several interesting sights along the route, such as Melrose Abbey, the Eildon Hills with their Iron Age hill fort and Dryburgh Abbey, with the grave of Sir Walter Scott.

You continue along the River Tweed before you follow the course of an old Roman road through an undulating landscape with lovely views over fields, meadows and landmark monuments. This is followed by an attractive woodland walk near Harestanes and Monteviot House. Cross a rope bridge over the River Teviot and then follow riverbanks to Jedfoot Bridge near Jedburgh from where you are transferred to your accommodation.

Leave the quiet border town of Kirk Yetholm behind and head out across remote rolling hills, initially following the St Cuthbert’s Way as well as the Pennine Way. The trails soon diverge, and you continue east to cross the border into England. You then continue through the scenic, open hills of the Cheviots, before dropping down towards a small farm and follow the Elsdon Burn to Hethpool. Finally, you cross more open hillside in the lee of Wester Tor and Easter Tor, before coming to Torleehouse, where you head north to the small village of Kirknewton. From there you are transferred to your accommodation.

In the morning, you are transferred to Kirknewton for a classic hillwalking stage that spends much of the day in the uplands. A rewarding climb out of the little village leads you between two Iron Age hillforts before you join the St Cuthbert’s Way underneath the impressive bulk of Yeavering Bell, with the remains of its large hillfort. Continue up into the Cheviot Hills, where you are rewarded with fine views north, towards the sea. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the moorland until you descend underneath Humbleton Hill towards the town of Wooler, the gateway into the Cheviots.

After a transfer to East Horton, you cross the route of a Roman road and then follow the trail through a rolling landscape with the remains of WW2 defences. The romantic St Cuthbert’s Cave makes for a lovely picnic site. From the next ridge you suddenly get your first clear view of the coast and Holy Island, before a pleasant woodland walk guides you towards the end of your hike at Fenwick, near the coast. A short walk along a quiet road then brings you to The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal (not on the island).

This short day is undoubtedly the highlight of the St Cuthbert’s Way for most hikers. A lovely walk through meadows and fields brings you to the coast where a causeway links Lindisfarne to the mainland. From here, you can cross to Holy Island along the road or by following the ancient Pilgrim’s Way across the Beal Sands. Allow yourself enough time to explore the island with its medieval priory, castle, coastal nature reserve and inviting cafes and pubs.

There are infrequent bus services off the island. It might be easier to take a taxi to nearby Beal or all the way to Berwick-upon-Tweed from where you can get connecting trains to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. Full details provided upon booking.