St Cuthbert's Way

Cuthbert became the most important Christian saint of northern England and southern Scotland in the seventh century — born in the Borders, he became a monk at Melrose Abbey before moving to Lindisfarne, where he died in 687. The route that bears his name crosses the Border country between the two monasteries, passing through the Cheviot Hills, the Kale Water valley and the Northumberland coast.

For trail runners it is a two to three day challenge with varied terrain — from the gentle Tweed valley around Melrose to the highest point at Wideopen Hill (434 m) in the Cheviots, and the long run-in to Holy Island across the Northumberland flatlands. The Holy Island causeway crossing is tidal — time it carefully.

The waymarking uses a Cuthbert's cross symbol and is consistent throughout.

Melrose to Harestanes (~30 km): Through the gentle Borders farmland of the Teviot and Kale valleys.

Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm (~25 km): Over the Cheviots — the highest and most remote section, crossing the English/Scottish border at Wideopen Hill (434 m). Kirk Yetholm is the end of the Pennine Way.

Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (~20 km): Down to the Northumberland foothills.

Wooler to Lindisfarne (~25 km): Across the Northumberland plain and the final crossing to Holy Island. The causeway is passable for a few hours around low tide.

Start: Melrose. Bus from Edinburgh and Galashiels.

Finish: Holy Island causeway. Bus to Berwick-upon-Tweed; frequent trains to Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Holy Island tidal crossing: Check the tide tables before your final day — the causeway is passable for around six hours around low tide. Refuge boxes are on the causeway if caught by the tide.

Best time: April to October.