Starting at the Scottish borders, St Cuthbert’s Way passes through sweeping
Northumberland National Park, remote College Valley, the foothills of the
Cheviots and the banks of the River Till. Then, onto the striking
Northumberland Coast Path and across the tidal causeway that leads to
Holy Island.
The 62-mile route is one of the most stunning and varied long distance walking routes in Britain. Named after St Cuthbert, it follows in the footsteps of the 7th-century saint who was native of the Borders and spent his life in the service of the church. He started his religious life in 650AD, and his eventual resting place was
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Although the majority of walkers travel from west to east it can be as easily walked in the reverse direction with good waymarking in both directions. The route starts at Melrose Abbey as it descends towards the Scottish Borders. The border ridge is reached 2 miles (3 km) east of Kirk Yetholm.
The trail descends through
Northumberland National Park to the village of Hethpool in the College Valley. It then climbs through the foothills of the
Cheviot Hills, passing just south of the hillforts of Yeavering Bell and Humbleton Hill, to the town of
Wooler.
From Wooler, the route ascends the valley of the River Till to the twin villages of West Horton and East Horton. It then follows farmland tracks to St. Cuthbert's Cave near Holburn. Near the cave, it joins St Oswald's Way and the Northumberland Coast Path to head north through Fenwick to reach the coast just east of Beal.
The last section across the sands to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and can only be walked at low tide, either by the modern road or by the historic, more direct, Pilgrims Path, marked by posts. Check safe crossing times here.
The St Cuthbert's Way website provides detailed information on the stages of this beautiful long distance walk.