This route, opened in 1996, was developed in co-operation with partners in Northumberland. It leads from Melrose, where St Cuthbert is said to have started his ministry, to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), where he ended his days. The full distance is 62 miles (100km). From Melrose the route passes through the Eildon Hills to Bowden and then via Newtown St Boswells to reach the Tweed. A very beautiful riverside walk is followed to Maxton. Dere Street is then picked up and followed over Lilliardsedge to Harestanes and on to Crailinghall.
The route continues past the imposing ruin of Cessford Castle to Morebattle, Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm. The Pennine Way is followed for a short distance before the Border is crossed at Eccles Cairn. The route carries on through Elsdonburn and Hethpool to reach the busy market town of Wooler.
Weetwood Moor is crossed before the route reaches St Cuthbert's Cave, a large sandstone outcrop where the saint's body is said to have rested after leaving Holy Island in 875AD when Vikings forced the monks to flee. The walk passes through woodland at Kyloe before reaching Fenwick and then embarking on the causeway crossing to Lindisfarne, with its superb priory and castle.
The route, which is fully waymarked in both directions with St Cuthbert's Cross.
Literature
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