Welcome to Distance Hiker Trail Snapshots, where members of our community share a Q&A snapshot of a trail they love!
In this article Chris shares a snapshot of his hike along the St Cuthberts Way which stretches from Melrose Abbey, to Lindisfarne over 102 miles of countryside.
You can find the full length post written by Chris over on Medium. Chris also has a YouTube channel, which you can subscribe to here!
What made you choose the st cuthbert’s Way?
I’d done some longer trails and thought I’d try a few 4-5 day ones this week. I looked at about a dozen that I’d seen recommended, and this appealed to me
What were the highlights of the trail for you?
The main highlight was the ending, walking barefoot across the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne. Like a proper pilgrim! Also really liked the grassy paths over the hills on day 2 and 3, easy going. And the really welcoming attitude from every local I met along the length of the way.
Can you tell us about some great overnight spots you found, whether it’s a wild camp, B&B, or campsite.
I stayed in accommodation- if I had to pick one, it would be the Meadhon Guest House in Jedburgh- really good value- lovely room with all the bits and pieces I’d want from a guest house room. Comfy bed and lovely breakfast. Also want to shout out to the Wooler Youth Hostel- definitely one of the best ones I’ve stayed in recently
Were there any parts of the trail you didn’t enjoy?
The main downside was that the first day was a bit too much for me- I started late and the weather and underfoot conditions made it really stressful. Was a nice walk though. I think the only bit I really didn’t enjoy though was the long road section after Cessford Castle and into Morebattle. Morebattle’s a super lunch stop when you get there, though.
What would you do differently if you were to walk it again, and what advice would you have for anyone else looking to walk the trail?
I think I’d probably take an extra day- maybe stay in St Boswell’s the first night and to Morebattle on the second night. That also avoids the detour to and from Jedburgh.
Where is your next long-distance hike?
I’m off to do the Affric Kintail Way (extended to Inverness at the start to make it a coast-to-coast) in a couple of weeks.
You can learn more about Alex and see some of her previous hiking, travel and long distance hiking photos on her Instagram @alibongo_
Trail Map
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Here at Distance Hiker we are always on the lookout for great new long distance hiking content. Our Trail Snapshots are a great place to start. If you have a long distance trail you would like to share simply fill in the form linked here and email some photos to matthew@distancehiker.com.
