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 Walk St Cuthbert's Way with Make Tracks - 8 nights from Scotland across the English border to Holy Island St Cuthberts Way celebrates the life of a 7th century monk, who took the message of Christianity fomr his Scottish base at Melrose to Holy Island. The route links Scotland to England, helping you to learn about the growth of Christianity in northern Britain, travelling from village to village by the same means as St Cuthbert - on foot. You can also just relax and enjoy beautiful countryside and quiet market towns in a part of Britain that is still largely untainted by mass tourism. The Route
St. Cuthbert's Way is a new long distance path, celebrating the life of a 7th century monk who took the message of Christianity from his Scottish base at Melrose to Holy Island in the north of England, where he became Bishop of Lindisfarne and eventually died in 696 AD.This route links Scotland with England, and the Pennine Way with the Southern Upland Way. It also allows you to learn about the growth of Christianity in northern Britain, following the progress of one of its most important teachers, travelling from village to village by the same means as St. Cuthbert, on foot. Of course, you can also relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside and quiet market towns in a part of Britain which is still largely untainted by hordes of tourists.
The walk starts at Melrose, probably the loveliest of the Scottish Borders towns. Arrive early if possible, and explore the 12th century Abbey ruins or visit the Teddy Bear museum. The first day of walking takes you between the distinctive twin peaks of the Eildon Hills (a short diversion takes you up one or both, to take in fantastic views of the whole Borders area). After descending you go through the picture postcard village of Bowden and close to another ruined Abbey at Dryburgh (cross the Tweed on the suspension bridge - for walkers only), then along the banks of the River Tweed to the quiet village of St Boswells.
The next day, you continue alongside the Tweed for a while, then follow a Roman road (they were here even before St Cuthbert) to Harestanes, where there are excellent displays about local wildlife and history. Another excellent viewpoint is nearby at Peniel Heugh. A short walk by the River Teviot and back onto the Roman Road (Dere Street), with a short (1 mile) detour to take you into the small town of Jedburgh, which in common with most of its neighbours, has its foundations in a monastic settlement in the 12th century. In this case the founders were Augustinian Canons from France. The construction of Jedburgh Abbey which dominates the town took over 100 years and it is still remarkably well preserved, considering its proximity to the English border and the attendant risk of damage from looters. Apart from the Abbey, the building with most historical interest is Queen Mary's House, a fine example of an old Scottish Town House, and the residence of Mary Queen of Scots when she stayed in the town. An interesting feature of the house is its left-handed spiral staircases, so constructed because its owners, the Kerr family were left handed and could better defend themselves against right-handed swordsmen. Other residents and visitors to the town include Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and William and Dorothy Wordsworth.
After a night in Jedburgh, you continue on the Roman Road and
past another home of the Kerr family, this time a 15th century castle.
The route continues through farmland to the village of Morebattle, which
although quiet, has a welcoming inn where you can enjoy a drink in the
evening. From Morebattle, there is a stiff climb over the aptly named
Wideopen Hill. To compensate, you don't have to walk far today, and
there is plenty time to enjoy fabulous views before descending to the
twin villages of Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, the last stop in Scotland.
Soon after Yetholm, you cross the border to England. Don't despair,
the scenery is still wonderful and you head across the Cheviot Hills
in the Northumberland National Park. Your first overnight stop in England
is at Wooler, a 13th century market town which still has weekly sales
of livestock. From Wooler you walk across Westwood Moor and past St.
Cuthbert's Cave. This is where the monk's body was brought for safety
in 875AD, at a time when Vikings were making raids on Holy Island. You
soon come to a point where you get magnificent views of the North Sea
coastline, including Holy Island, the mass of Bamburgh Castle, and the
Farne Islands. A short walk to Fenwick, where you will normally be collected
and taken to your accommodation in nearby Lowick.
On the last day, you walk onto Holy Island, which is linked
to the mainland by a causeway. However there is plenty of time every
day to make the crossing, and we will help you choose your time to suit
the tides, which are published in tables in advance. It is well worth
considering stopping for an extra day or two on the island, where you
can enjoy peaceful walks observing the abundant bird life on the dunes
and beaches, and learn about the history of this important Christian
site. St Cuthbert's Priory is a must, with its excellent interpretive
centre, and the nearby castle, built by Henry VIII should also be seen.
In the evening, there are excellent pubs and inns within a short walk
of your accommodation.
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By Post:
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Tel:
(+44) 131 229 6844
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email: - info@maketracks.net |
| Fax (+44) 131 229 6808 | ||
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