St Cuthbert's Way

In short: St Cuthbert's Way: from Melrose to Lindisfarne (Holy Island). Length: around 100 km, duration: 4 to 6 days. Best time: May to September.

Overview

St Cuthbert's Way links Melrose Abbey in Scotland, which St Cuthbert entered in the 7th century, with Lindisfarne on the North Sea coast of England, where he was bishop and was buried.

The route leads through the hills of the Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills. At around 100 kilometres it fits well into a week's holiday.

The finale is the crossing of the tidal flats to the island, either on the old Pilgrim's Path with its wooden poles or on the causeway. Both are possible only at low tide, and the tide comes in fast. Check the tide tables carefully beforehand.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 100 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 60 to 80 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 5 days that comes to roughly 300 to 400 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in the United Kingdom, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.