St Cuthbert’s Way Walking Holidays
Follow in the footsteps of St. Cuthbert from the Scottish Borders to the tidal shores of Holy Island. This route weaves together tranquil countryside, historic abbeys and sweeping coastal views - one of Britain’s most rewarding long-distance trails.
- Nights
- 6 to 8 Nights
- Distance
- 63 to 63.1 miles
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Difficulty
- Easy to Moderate – Moderate to Challenging
- Season
- Mar to Oct
- Price from
- £870
Highlights
A pilgrimage route through Borders hills to Holy Island
- Panoramic views from the summit of the Eildon Hills
- Discover the ruins of Melrose and Jedburgh Abbeys
- Explore the historic market towns of Melrose, Jedburgh and Wooler
- Walk through the wild beauty of the Cheviot Hills
- Cross the sands to Holy Island and visit Lindisfarne Priory
Walking St. Cuthbert’s Way
This cross-border trail links sites from the life of St. Cuthbert, a 7th-century saint known for his piety, miracles and love of nature. The route begins in Melrose, where he entered monastic life, and ends at Lindisfarne, his final resting place. But it’s much more than a pilgrimage. With varied landscapes—upland views, wooded paths and open coast—this is a walk for anyone drawn to peaceful, unspoilt countryside. Panoramic hilltops, historic towns and a manageable pace make it ideal for those seeking a reflective but rewarding challenge. Churches along the way continue the tradition of hospitality, welcoming modern-day pilgrims with warmth and shelter.
Path Walkthrough
Your walk starts in Melrose, beneath the Eildon Hills, and follows the Tweed to Harestanes via Roman Dere Street. After a short transfer, explore Jedburgh and its impressive abbey. From here, the trail crosses open farmland and passes Cessford Castle on the way to Morebattle. Climbing Wideopen Hill—the highest point—brings sweeping views across the Borders. The path continues into the heather-clad Cheviots before descending into Wooler. The final stretch leads to the Northumberland coast, where, tide permitting, you cross the sands—barefoot if you like—along the ancient Pilgrim’s Path to Holy Island. Terrain is varied but not extreme: quiet river paths, grassy hills, farm tracks and moorland.
Following in Ancient Footsteps
St. Cuthbert’s Way is steeped in Christian heritage. You walk through places that shaped the saint’s life, from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne Priory. The path passes the legendary St. Cuthbert’s Cave, where monks are said to have sheltered his body from Viking raiders. What makes this walk especially memorable is its rare ending: a tidal crossing to Holy Island, with its spiritual atmosphere and shifting sands. Many walkers time their journey to reach Lindisfarne on foot, just as pilgrims have done for centuries. The route may be ancient, but its landscapes, stillness and sense of purpose resonate just as powerfully today.
Choose Your Walk
Our St Cuthbert's Way Itineraries
Melrose to Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
62 miles (99.8 km)From £1,135 Per Person
From £1,015 Per Person
From £870 Per Person
Key Information
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
St Cuthbert's Way Client Reviews
4.8/5 based on 82 reviews
"Very thorough, the information supplied shows attention to detail and anticipation of any possible problems."
"Efficient, well organised, good accommodation and good information provided."
"great service, flexible itineraries, have used Celtic trails for over 10 years and would never consider changing. Their local knowledge and contacts set them apart"
"This was a wonderful experience - a really beautiful walk which was superbly organised throughout"
"Excellent communication, lovely places to stay, responsive, good value for money"
"Celtic Trails were excellent. They organized all aspects of the trip which went without a hitch."
"It makes the walk much wasier with transfers & accommodation sorted, even packed lunches if needed"
"Responsive, thorough, extremely accommodating"
"Celtic Trails ensured that everything with the holiday went smoothly so that we could focus on the walking. They were helpful and knowledgeable when I had questions, and the accommodation was excellent."
Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
Points of Interest
Lindisfarne
Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne and its village are situated at the end of the route from Melrose. The priory was built by early Christians over 1,400 years ago, raided by Vikings and restored in the 11th century.
A unique feature of this walk is the dramatic causeway crossing to Holy Island, please check the tide times before planning your journey. There is an entry fee to visit the priory and museum, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Media Gallery
Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
Not For You?
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