St Cuthbert's Way

St Cuthbert's Way runs from Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland in England. The route climbs over the fringes of the Eildon Hills before following stretches of the mighty River Tweed and the Roman Dere Street. It then passes Cessford Castle before a fine hill ridge is traversed en route to the attractive village of Kirk Yetholm. The route then skirts the northern edges of the Cheviot Hills to cross the border and descent to the fine old market town of Wooler. The final stretch crosses the Northumberland countryside for the dramatic finale across the causeway to Holy Island and its dramatic castle and ruined abbey.

Stage descriptions	Length	Time	Done
Melrose to Harestanes	23.75km	6-7 hours
Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm	28km	6-8 hours
Kirk Yetholm to Wooler	20.75km	6-7 hours
Wooler to Lindisfarne	28.75km	7-8½ hours

The route links several sites associated with St Cuthbert. He began his monastic career at Melrose Abbey from 650AD, and eventually became the Abbot at Lindisfarne. Following his death and beatification, in 875AD Lindisfarne was abandoned due to Viking Raids and St Cuthbert's relics were rested at a cave whilst en route to safety - the cave is also visited along the route. The walk passes through attractive and varied countryside throughout its length; it can be done in four days or taken at a more leisurely pace by building in additional stopovers, or taking a stage at a time.

THE CHALLENGE

The route is well waymarked throughout. The walking itself is very varied, with some easy riverside and farmland stretches as well as some rougher going on modest hills.