Starting from Melrose, this route takes us on an invigorating climb over the iconic Eildon Hills, whose triple peaks are one of the most beloved landmarks in the Scottish Borders. As we pause at the top to catch our breath, there are panoramic views in every direction, including Melrose, the Moorfoot, and Lammermuir Hills to the north, and the mighty Cheviot range to the south.  

After descending to the village of Bowden, nestled in the lee of the Eildons, the route winds its way through gentle farmland and woodland to Newtown St Boswells. The next section follows the tranquil banks of the River Tweed, offering glimpses of Dryburgh Abbey, and ultimately leads us into St. Boswells.

Night in St. Boswells

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

We will be leaving St Boswells and following the River Tweed once again until we reach the hamlet of Maxton. Just before reaching the hamlet, we will divert away from the river and take a minor road that leads to Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road. We will continue on this road until we arrive at Harestanes. From there, we will take a taxi (which is included) and travel to Jedburgh for our overnight stay.

Night in Jedburgh

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

After breakfast, we will take a taxi back to Harestanes to start our walk. We will begin by crossing the Monteviot Suspension Bridge, which is located just below the beautiful Monteviot House. Our journey will then continue along the banks of the River Teviot until we reach Jedfoot, where we will rejoin Dere Street.  

The route will then take us through some woodland areas, which in the spring are dotted with beautiful bluebells. We will then head southeast on farm paths and tracks, passing through some rich agricultural land until we reach Cessford. 

Cessford Castle, which was once the stronghold of the Kers, lies directly on our route and is a fantastic place to explore some of the rich history of the Borders.  Finally, we will arrive at the village of Morebattle.

Night in Morebattle

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

Crossing a footbridge over the Kale river, we can embark on a day's walk through beautiful fields and stiles. The trail offers stunning views back over Morebattle, which is surrounded by the Eildon Hills. 

Along the way, we will encounter one of the steepest climbs of the entire walk, leading up to the top of Wideopen Hill, where we can enjoy more breathtaking views towards Yetholm and its loch. 

The descent into the valley of Bowmont Water will bring us to the charming village of Kirk Yetholm, with its picturesque thatched cottages that are a reminder of its origins as a farm township. Moreover, Kirk Yetholm is also home to the north end of the Pennine Way, which starts in Edale, Derbyshire, and stretches over a distance of 270 miles, which is our resting place for the night.

Night in Kirk Yetholm

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

Starting off refreshed the next day, the upcoming part of St. Cuthbert's Way coincides with the final stretch of the Pennine Way. As we climb up from Halterburn around Green Humbleton (287m) - the first of many hillforts along St. Cuthbert's Way - we will soon arrive at the national border between Scotland and England. Once we reach the border, we will cross into Northumberland National Park, one of Britain's best-kept secrets.  

St. Cuthbert's Way descends via Elsdonburn to Hethpool, at the head of the College valley and home of the Collingwood Oaks. From there, we will continue through woodland and a good track along the Cheviot foothills, heading towards Yeavering Bell (361m), Northumberland's largest Iron Age fort. A lovely path takes us through the heather over Gains Law down to the small market town of Wooler. Here, we can find shops, accommodations, food and drink, and everything we need.

Night in Wooler

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

Starting from Wooler, the St. Cuthbert's Way trail takes us across Weetwood Moor. We will take a short diversion onto one of the circular short walks branching off the long-distance route that will lead us to prehistoric rock carvings. After that, we will  descend to cross the River Till via the 16th Century Weetwood Bridge. From there, we will follow quiet lanes to reach Horton, and then walk on another section of the Devil's Causeway, which is a typically dead-straight Roman road that once connected Corbridge and Tweedmouth. 

We will pass by farmland and woodland tracks, which will lead us up to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where monks took St. Cuthbert's body in 875 AD as they fled from Viking raids on Lindisfarne.  

As we climb up the rocky ridge of the Kyloe Hills above the cave, we will get the first views of your final destination. The Holy Island will be visible above the glittering sands, with Bamburgh Castle just to the south. It's easy to see why this part of the Northumberland coast has been designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

At this point, St. Cuthbert's Way joins with St. Oswald's Way, another long-distance route. You'll enjoy following a track through Shiellow Wood towards the village of Fenwick.

Night in Fenwick

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

This section of the road is considered to be one of the most spectacular along the way. The scenery is unique, and even though we'll be following the road for most of the way to Holy Island, the changing vistas and abundant birdlife will keep us occupied. This area is a popular spot for wading birds because of the variety of food available on Lindisfarne's mudflats. Keep your eyes peeled for Godwits, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Curlews, and Redshanks.  

Holy Island is one of Europe's most famous Christian places, and it has a wealth of sites that relate to its eventful history. The building of the Lindisfarne Priory was inspired by St Cuthbert's life and name, and it began in about 1120. There is also a castle on the island, which was ordered to be built by Henry VIII because Holy Island held great strategic importance centuries ago.  

We will plan our day accordingly and reach the causeway at low tide. We will follow the posts of the historic Pilgrims Path and walk across the sands.

Night in Lindisfarne

Breakfast Included

Lunch and Dinner on your own

We will have the morning and afternoon to explore Holy Island, we must cross the causeway during low tide, which is before 2:30. Together we will take a taxi to Berwick and the train station, which will end your pilgrimage. 

Trains run from Berwick to Edinburgh throughout the day. It is a 51-minute train ride and usually costs between $7-$11.