Long distance
St Cuthberts Way
Traces the life of St Cuthbert from Melrose Abbey across the Scottish Borders and into Northumberland, finishing at the tidal island of Lindisfarne. A cross-border pilgrimage route.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 100 km/ 62 mi
- Typical days
- 5
- Total ascent
- 1900 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Start → Finish
- Melrose → Lindisfarne
- Best direction
- West to East
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
St Cuthbert's Way is gentle, beautiful and deeply historical. The Eildon Hills above Melrose are a magnificent start. The middle section through the Cheviots has a wild feel that belies the modest elevation. The finish across the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne is one of the great endings in British walking — check the tide tables. Technically crosses into England for the final section.
Highlights
- Eildon Hills above Melrose
- Jedburgh Abbey
- Cheviot Hills crossing
- Tidal causeway to Lindisfarne
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 5-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Melrose to Harestanes16km · 500m ascent
Over the Eildon Hills — three volcanic peaks with panoramic views — then down through farmland to Harestanes visitor centre on the Teviot.
- Terrain
- Hill paths over the Eildons (422m), farm tracks, riverside paths.
- Overnight
- Harestanes has no accommodation; continue to Jedburgh or arrange transport.
- Stats
- Melrose → Harestanes · 16km · ↑500m
2Harestanes to Jedburgh10km · 200m ascent
Along the Teviot valley through farmland to the historic town of Jedburgh and its magnificent ruined abbey.
- Terrain
- Riverside paths, farm tracks, town walking. Easy.
- Overnight
- Jedburgh has hotels, B&Bs and a campsite. Jedburgh Abbey is worth an extended visit.
- Stats
- Harestanes → Jedburgh · 10km · ↑200m
3Jedburgh to Kirk Yetholm26km · 500m ascent
Through the Cheviot foothills past Cessford Castle and across moorland to Kirk Yetholm, where the Pennine Way ends.
- Terrain
- Farm tracks, moorland paths, some rough ground. Rolling hills.
- Overnight
- Kirk Yetholm has the Border Hotel and the Friends of Nature hostel.
- Stats
- Jedburgh → Kirk Yetholm · 26km · ↑500m
4Kirk Yetholm to Wooler24km · 450m ascent
Cross into England over the Cheviot Hills via the Pennine Way. The border ridge has tremendous views. Descent to the market town of Wooler.
- Terrain
- Hill ridge paths, moorland, farm tracks. Some exposed sections.
- Overnight
- Wooler has hotels, B&Bs and a youth hostel.
- Stats
- Kirk Yetholm → Wooler · 24km · ↑450m
5Wooler to Lindisfarne24km · 250m ascent
Through Northumberland farmland to the coast, then across the tidal causeway to Holy Island. Check tide tables carefully — the crossing is impassable at high tide.
- Terrain
- Farm paths, dune walking, tidal causeway crossing. Flat.
- Overnight
- Lindisfarne has limited B&Bs and the Ship Inn. Book well ahead.
- Stats
- Wooler → Lindisfarne · 24km · ↑250m
Best months
Accommodation
B&Bs at Melrose, Jedburgh, Kirk Yetholm and Wooler. Lindisfarne has limited accommodation — book well ahead.
Resupply
Good shops at Melrose and Jedburgh. Limited after Kirk Yetholm until Wooler (England). Carry lunch daily.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Melrose)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:27
- Sunset
- 20:49
- Civil dawn
- 04:43
- Civil dusk
- 21:33
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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