Walk the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Way to Holy Island
Join Tim Hill MBE, CEO of Stella Maris, and Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Senior Area Port Chaplain, on a 5-night, 6-day pilgrimage marking the Jubilee Year of Hope—a meaningful time for pilgrimage.
Follow the ancient St. Cuthbert’s Way from the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne, walking in the footsteps of saints, monks, and medieval travellers. Beginning at Melrose Abbey, the route winds through rolling hills, river valleys, and historic landmarks, with stunning landscapes from the Eildon and Cheviot Hills to the windswept Northumberland coast. The journey culminates in a final walk across the tidal causeway to Holy Island, a place of deep spiritual significance.
This special pilgrimage concludes during the Vatican-designated Jubilee of Families (30th May – 1st June), where we will pray especially for families of seafarers and fishers.
A unique journey of history, faith, and breathtaking scenery awaits.
Itinerary
Melrose Travel Day.
Meet at the Hotel in late afternoon in Melrose for a briefing, pre-pilgrimage prayers and dinner.
Melrose to Harstanes
Walking distance: 15 miles
The journey begins with a short prayer service at the gates of 12th Century Melrose Abbey, before an ascent over the Eildon Hills, where breathtaking views stretch across the Scottish Borders.
Descending into Bowden, the route winds through farmland and woodland to Newtown St Boswells before following the River Tweed past Dryburgh Abbey into St Boswells. From Maxton, the ancient Dere Street Roman road guides the way to Harestanes.
This inspiring first day offers landscapes once admired by Sir Walter Scott, ending with a well-earned rest in nearby Denholm where we’ll gather at our hotel for dinner, prayers, and an after dinner talk.
Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm
Walking distance: 17 miles
After a short prayer, we cross the Monteviot Suspension Bridge and follow the River Teviot to Jedfoot. Passing through woodland and farmland, the route reaches Cessford Castle, once the stronghold of the Ker family, and a striking reminder of the troubled history of the borderlands.
A lunch stop in Morebattle provides a break before ascending Grubbit Law to Wideopen Hill (400m), the highest point of St. Cuthbert’s Way, with breathtaking views back to the Eildon Hills.
The final stretch leads into Kirk Yetholm, where the day ends with a short transfer to accommodation in Kelso for dinner, prayers, and an after dinner talk.
Kirk Yetholm to Wooler
Walking distance: 12 miles
After a pre-walk prayer, the trail climbs from Halterburn, circling hill-fort Green Humbleton (287m) before reaching the Scottish-English border and crossing into Northumberland Park.
Descending through Elsdonburn to Hethpool, the route continues past the Collingwood Oaks and along the Cheviot foothills to Yeavering Bell, Northumberland’s largest Iron Age fort.
A scenic descent over Gains Law leads into Wooler, where the afternoon offers time for reflection before dinner, prayers, and a team quiz night at a welcoming local hotel.
Wooler to Fenwick
Walking distance: 12 miles
Today’s trail climbs over Weetwood Moor, crossing the 16th-century Weetwood Bridge the route follows quiet lanes to Horton, then joins the Devil’s Causeway, a Roman road once linking Corbridge and Tweedmouth. Woodland tracks lead to St. Cuthbert’s Cave, where monks took refuge with his remains, when fleeing viking raids in 875 AD.
Ascending the Kyloe Hills, our mons gaudium (mountain of joy), walkers catch the first glimpse of our pilgrimage destination Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle beyond the golden sands, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route descends through Shiellow Wood into Fenwick, where the day ends with a visit to Bamburgh beach, prayers, a final talk, and a celebratory dinner.
Fenwick to Lindisfarne
Walking distance: 6 miles
The last stretch of St. Cuthbert’s Way leads from Fenwick to the coast, passing Fenwick Granary, WWII coastal defences, and Beal Cast Burn. Reaching the Causeway at low tide, walkers will follow the historic Pilgrims Path, marked by wooden posts across the sands.
A triumphant arrival at Lindisfarne where the pilgrimage joins our annual Holy Island Pilgrimage which will include prayers on the green, picnic lunch and Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Mason, Stella Maris Bishop Promoter.
A fitting end to a journey rich in history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes.
Key Information
26-31 May 2025
£750 pp
Based on twin-sharing full board basis
Participants are requested to raise a minimum of £1,000 sponsorship to support the work of Stella Maris
Included
✓ Hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis
✓ Dinner on Day 1
✓ Breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 2-5
✓ Breakfast and picnic lunch on day 6
✓ Luggage transfer between hotels
✓ Transfer from Holy Island to Berwick-Upon- Tweed
✓ First Aid qualified guide
✓ Fundraising Pack
Not Included
Transport to Melrose
Accommodation on Lindisfarne (A list of
accommodation options will be provided if
required)
Snacks
Drinks
Personal Insurance
