Our group will fly into Newcastle (NCL) and meet at the airport at 2 p.m. We will then transfer, by coach bus, to Selkirk to stay at The Philipburn Hotel, a Best Western Signature Collection property and one of Selkirk's finest hotels.

The Philipburn Hotel lies on the outskirts of Selkirk town, putting you in the enviable position of having peace, quiet and local amenities on your doorstep. Sitting quietly in 4 acres of private gardens and woodland, this wonderful 18th Century hotel building is in a world of its own, and a class of its own where comfort and service are concerned. Philipburn even has its own outdoor Koi fish pond. If you want to catch fish rather than watch them, you're in luck. The hotel overlooks the Ettrick Water with plenty of fishing opportunities. If you prefer, leave the nets behind and just enjoy a riverside stroll by the Tweed.

St. Cuthbert’s Way starts at the gates of the magnificent 12th century Melrose Abbey in the lively Borders town of Melrose. From Melrose, an invigorating climb takes you over the iconic Eildon Hills, whose triple peaks are one of the best-loved landmarks in the Scottish Borders. Then, as you pause to catch your breath, there are panoramic views in every direction: Melrose, the Moorfoot, and Lammermuir Hills to the north, and the mighty Cheviot range to the south.

After dropping back down to the village of Bowden, nestling in the lee of the Eildons, the route winds its way through gentle farmland and woodland to Newtown St Boswells. The next section along the tranquil banks of the River Tweed offers glimpses of Dryburgh Abbey and takes you into St. Boswells, and then on further down the Tweed past the Crystal Well into the village of Maxton.

Walking south from Maxton along Dere Street, you will be following in the footsteps of the Romans who built the original road, now a tree-lined grassy track, passing Lady Lilliard’s Tomb. Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre offers tempting food and drink, which lies only just off this section of the route. If you feel energetic, you might fancy a quick detour to climb up to the Waterloo Monument, a local landmark. On your first day, you will have experienced first-hand all of the countryside, which Sir Walter Scott so frequently admired from his favorite viewpoint above Dryburgh.

Setting off again from Harestanes, after crossing the Monteviot Suspension Bridge just below Monteviot House, St. Cuthbert’s Way meanders along the banks of the River Teviot to Jedfoot, where you rejoin Dere Street. Before Jedburgh, the route branches off through woodland, in springtime strewn with bluebells, and then south-east on farm paths and tracks through rich agricultural land to Cessford. Cessford Castle, once the stronghold of the Kers, is directly on the route: a great place to explore some of the Border’s rich history.

The village of Morebattle comes next, a chance to restock your supplies before climbing via Grubbit Law along the ridge to Wideopen Hill, at 400 m, the highest point on St. Cuthbert’s Way, and halfway from Melrose to Holy Island. Finally, looking back across the Borders to the Eildons offers a chance to catch your breath before you are beckoned on by the prospect of good food in Kirk Yetholm.

Setting off refreshed the next day, the next section of St. Cuthbert’s Way coincides with the final stretch of the Pennine Way. Climbing up from Halterburn around Green Humbleton (287m) – the first of many hillforts along St. Cuthbert’s Way – you will soon reach the national border between Scotland and England. A short diversion to Eccles Cairn will reward you with your last views of the Borders and the Eildon Hills. At the border, you will cross into Northumberland National Park, one of Britain’s best-kept secrets.

St. Cuthbert’s Way drops back down via Elsdonburn to Hethpool, at the head of the College Valley and home of the Collingwood Oaks. Then, through woodland and a good track along the Cheviot foothills, heading for Yeavering Bell (361m), Northumberland’s largest Iron Age fort. Finally, a lovely path leads through the heather over Gains Law down to the small market town of Wooler, where you will find shops, food and drink, and everything you might want.

From Wooler, St Cuthbert’s Way takes you over Weetwood Moor, where a short diversion on one of the circular short walks off the long-distance route will take you to prehistoric rock carvings. Dropping back down to cross the River Till via the 16th Century Weetwood Bridge, quiet lanes lead to Horton and onto another section of typically dead-straight Roman road: the Devil’s Causeway, which once linked Corbridge and Tweedmouth. Farmland and woodland tracks lead up to St. Cuthbert’s Cave, where monks took St. Cuthbert’s body in 875AD as they fled from Viking raids on Lindisfarne.

Above the cave on the rocky ridge of the Kyloe Hills, the first tantalizing views of your final destination come into sight, with Holy Island clearly visible above the glittering sands and Bamburgh Castle just to the south. It’s clear why this part of the Northumberland coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. St. Cuthbert’s Way joins here with St. Oswald’s Way, another long-distance route, following an enjoyable track through Shiellow Wood towards the village of Fenwick.

Whether you stay overnight at Fenwick will depend on tide times and how much time and energy you have. Either way, the route is the same. From Fenwick St. Cuthbert’s Way heads to the coast along historic paths and tracks, passing Fenwick Granary, crossing the main east coast railway line and Beal Cast Burn, past World War 2 coastal defenses.

Having reached the Causeway at low tide, you can choose your final approach to Lindisfarne – either taking the Causeway Road across to Holy Island or following the historic Pilgrims Path posts across the sands.

We will spend a final evening in Selkirk, and then transfer back to the Newcastle Airport (NCL) for departures on July 9.

St. Cuthbert’s Way and the promoted short walks off the long-distance route include low-level stretches along riverside paths and in the Northumberland coastal area and more strenuous stretches on the Cheviot Hills between Morebattle and Wooler. No previous walking experience is necessary, but a reasonable fitness level and some advanced training will add to your enjoyment of any long-distance route. Parts of St. Cuthbert’s Way offer a wonderful feeling of being far from the madding crowds, but you are never more than a few hours’ walk from good food and accommodation. Even so, suitable footwear, warm and waterproof clothing, maps, food, and drink are essential. It is always worth wearing your boots before you set off and making sure you are properly equipped. Our guide will provide a detailed packing list before departure.

Seven nights accommodations at the historic Philipburn Hotel in Selkirk

Seven breakfasts, packed lunches for hiking days

Complete guiding services on all hikes with a local guide

Admission and park fees throughout

All activities as described in the 8-day itinerary, unless noted otherwise

Private charter van transportation throughout the tour with air conditioning and comfortable seating