St Cuthbert's Way Stages
The St Cuthbert's Way in 6 stages — detailed stage-by-stage guide with distances, descriptions and accommodation for each section of the 62 miles pilgrimage through Scottish Borders & Northumberland.
The St Cuthbert's Way is divided into 6 walking stages, covering the 62 miles route through Scottish Borders & Northumberland. Each stage ends at a town or village where you can find accommodation, rest, and prepare for the next day's walk.
Use our stage-by-stage St Cuthbert's Way guide below to plan your walk, then use our route planning tool to book accommodation at each stage.
Stage-by-stage guide
Stage 1: Melrose to St Boswells (6.5 miles). Begin at Melrose Abbey, where St Cuthbert began his religious life, and follow the Tweed east — with the option of the Rhymer's Stone and the Eildon Hills — to the village of St Boswells. Dryburgh Abbey, where Walter Scott is buried, is a short detour from here. View accommodation and details for the Melrose to St Boswells stage.
Stage 2: St Boswells to Jedburgh (13.5 miles). Follow the Tweed and then the Teviot through Maxton and the Borders farmland to Jedburgh, whose ruined Augustinian abbey was founded in the 12th century. View accommodation and details for the St Boswells to Jedburgh stage.
Stage 3: Jedburgh to Kirk Yetholm (13 miles). Walk up the Teviot and over the shoulder of the Cheviots by way of Oxnam and Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm, the last village before the hills and the end of the Southern Upland Way. View accommodation and details for the Jedburgh to Kirk Yetholm stage.
Stage 4: Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (12 miles). The toughest stage: a sustained climb over the Cheviot Hills past Wideopen Hill, the highest point of the route, crossing the border from Scotland into England before descending to Wooler. View accommodation and details for the Kirk Yetholm to Wooler stage.
Stage 5: Wooler to Fenwick (11.5 miles). Walk east over Weetwood Moor, past St Cuthbert's Cave at Holburn where the monks carrying his coffin took shelter, to the hamlet of Fenwick near the coast. View accommodation and details for the Wooler to Fenwick stage.
Stage 6: Fenwick to Lindisfarne (6 miles). The final stage across the tidal causeway — or the historic Pilgrims' Way across the sands at low tide — to Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory, where St Cuthbert was prior. Check the safe crossing times before setting out. View accommodation and details for the Fenwick to Lindisfarne stage.
Accommodation by stage
Each stage of the St Cuthbert's Way ends at a town where you'll need overnight accommodation. The key towns are Melrose, St Boswells, Jedburgh, Kirk Yetholm, Wooler. Use our route planning tool to find and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay at each stage of your walk.
Book accommodation in advance, especially during summer months and weekends. Some stages have limited options, so planning ahead is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there on the St Cuthbert's Way?
The St Cuthbert's Way has 6 stages, covering the 62 miles route. Each stage ends at a town or village with accommodation options.
Which stage is the longest on the St Cuthbert's Way?
Stage lengths vary across the St Cuthbert's Way. Check the stage-by-stage guide above for distances, and plan your daily walking distance accordingly.
Where do I find accommodation for each stage?
Use our route planning tool to find pilgrim-friendly accommodation at each stage of the St Cuthbert's Way. The key towns for overnight stops are Melrose, St Boswells, Jedburgh, Kirk Yetholm, Wooler.
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