St. Cuthbert’s Way

Stage one of St Cuthbert’s Way begins at Melrose Abbey and climbs over the Eildon Hills, where you’ll have your first views across the border. The route then keeps going through farmland, woodland, and along the River Tweed. You’ll pass abbeys and Roman roads before reaching Harestanes, where you’ll spend the night. The trail weaves back and forth between Scotland and England, usually hiked west to east, to follow the path St. Cuthbert took chronologically (and to keep the wind at your back!).

Stage two of the St. Cuthbert’s Way goes from Harestanes. You’ll cross the Monteviot Suspension Bridge and follow the River Teviot to Jedfoot before woodland paths lead you past Cessford Castle. After restocking (important!) in Morebattle, you’ll climb Grubbit Law to Wideopen Hill, the trail’s highest point and halfway mark, with fantastic views back to the Eildons, before finishing in Kirk Yetholm for the night.

On stage three, you’ll set off by climbing past Green Humbleton to the Scotland–England border, with a short detour to Eccles Cairn for some final views of the Eildons. From here, you will cross into Northumberland National Park, where the trail moves through valleys, woodland, and the Cheviot foothills. You’ll also pass Yeavering Bell, before descending through heather to Wooler.

Finally, stage four is the longest of the lot, but worth it for the final push! From Wooler, you’ll cross Weetwood Moor and its prehistoric rock carvings, then follow quiet lanes and the Roman Devil’s Causeway to St. Cuthbert’s Cave. Reaching Fenwick, tide times will likely decide your plans: cross the causeway road or follow the Pilgrims Path across the sands to Holy Island. Be sure to check the tidetable for safe crossing times! This will dictate the timing of your day.

The best time of the year to hike the St. Cuthbert’s Way is between June and September. This is when the weather should be the best and driest, and the more seasonal guesthouses and tourist spots will be open. It’s recommended that you check the weather ahead of time, and be prepared for rain and wind, no matter when you go.

Because the trail goes between towns and is on the shorter side, this trek is well-suited for beginner long-distance hikers. You’ll still need to prepare by bringing enough snacks (sometimes difficult to stock up in the villages) and packing enough water-carrying containers (at least 2-2.5L). It’s also advised to bring a basic first aid kit in the off-chance of injury, and to bring clothing that is comfortable and weather-resistant.

Two other points of caution: First, for the crossing to Holy Island, you will need to time your day around the tides so you can walk across the causeway at low tide. You can find the link to the tidetables below. Second, please be aware and safe around cows. Most often, these gentle giants do not care about humans. However, there are times that you may find the trail is blocked by a herd of cows or that one stands in your way. In this case, take the long route and detour around the cows. Adding a few more minutes to avoid any confrontation is recommended for your safety.

The trail is easy, with a few steep ascents throughout. However, the trail is overall technically easy and a good choice for beginner long-distance hikers. For more challenge, you can hike the trail in four days, which means longer days on the trail, and likewise for an easier time, you can extend it to five days for a shorter hike each day.