6 DAYS WALKING / 7 OVERNIGHT STAYS

Day 1

A delightful market town famous for its Abbey and the annual Melrose Sevens Rugby Challenge! St Cuthbert started his religious life in Melrose and Robert the Bruce’s embalmed heart is buried beside Melrose Abbey

Day 2

Leaving your starting point at Melrose Abbey, your first climb of the tour is across the lovely Eildon Hills affording you fantastic views of the Border countryside. After passing through the lovely village of Newtown St Boswells you have the opportunity of visiting Dryburgh Abbey before the path winds its way alongside the River Tweed. A long stretch over the Dere Street Roman Road takes you to your destination in Harestanes

Day 3

Harestanes to Morebattle

(9.5 miles/15 km)

On your way to Crailinghall, you continue along the Dere Street Roman Road and then arrive at Cessford with the chance to visit Cessford Castle, an imposing structure built in the mid 15th Century. Not long afterwards the trail leads you into the tiny village of Morebattle

Day 4

Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm

(7.5 miles/12 km)

Your day starts will a climb over a low ridge and then drops into the Kale Water Valley. You soon reach Wideopen Hill, at a height of 368m, the highest point on the walk and also approximately the halfway point of the route. Great views of the Cheviots are afforded in front of you as you make you way to the picturesque village of Kirk Yetholm

Day 5

Kirk Yetholm to Wooler

(13 miles/21 km)

The first part of today’s route is also the final section of the Pennine Way. As you ascend, you cross the Border fence where you have the chance to cross a stile and have one foot in Scotland and the other in England!  As you make your way onwards to Wooler, you pass Yeavering Bell to the left of the path, Northumberland’s largest hill fort before descending on to the bridleway from Wooler Common Farm to Wooler

Day 6

Wooler to Fenwick

(10 miles/16 km)

Today your walk leaves Wooler, a market town since the 13th Century and the largest settlement in the Cheviot Hills area. The trail takes you over Weetwood Moor and past the villages of West Horton and East Horton towards St Cuthburt’s Cave, a must visit!  When you reach the track called Dolly Gibson’s Lonnen, you only have a short trek downhill into the tiny village of Fenwick

Day 7

Fenwick to Holy Island

(7 miles/11 km)

Time tides on this final day will determine your start time and you will be pleased to reach the causeway road which leads on to the island. You may wish to use the Pilgrim’s Path across the sands and if so, you should adjust your timings accordingly. You have now reached your destination on the fascinating Holy Island