St Cuthbert’s Way: Accommodation in Hostels and Bunkhouses

St Cuthbert's Way

St Cuthbert’s Way is a 60m route that crosses the border between Scotland and England. It starts in the Scottish border town Melrose and finishes on Holy Island off the Northumberland coast. The Way was inspired by the life of St Cuthbert, who began his ministry at Melrose in 650 AD, eventually becoming the Bishop of Lindisfarne.  His final resting place and the original pilgrimage shrine is on Holy Island.

St Cuthbert’s Way Route

St Cuthbert’s Way is not overly challenging and takes between 4 and 6 days.  With an ever-changing variety of scenery and spectacular views, you won’t be bored.  You will pass Roman hill forts, signal stations, and roads, walk along the banks of the beautiful River Tweed and enjoy the fantastic scenery from the Eildon Hills. The Way culminates with a memorable walk along the causeway to Holy Island, which is only passable at low tide. For a truly unique finale, many walkers remove their boots and walk barefoot through the shallows in the footsteps of St Cuthbert along the Pilgrims Way. Be sure to check tide times when you plan your walk.

The route provides a useful link over the Cheviot Hills between the Southern Upland Way (at Melrose) and the Pennine Way National Trail (at Kirk Yetholm), with  St Oswald’s Way and the Northumberland Coast Path.

You will find independent hostels and bunkhouses along the route. In the spirit of a true pilgrimage, these offer companionship and comfort to weary walkers at very reasonable prices.

Don’t forget to check the tide times for your arrival at Holy Islands.

For more information on the route go to the British Pilgrimage Trust and the St Cuthbert’s Way official website. As it starts in Scotland the route is also featured on Scotland’s Great Trails.