St. Cuthbert’s Way is a wonderful walk for anyone looking to explore the Scottish Borderlands and Northumberland. This 62-mile walk (100-km) connects the Melrose Abbey with the Holy Island of Lindisfarne as a means of paying tribute to Saint Cuthbert. Although the route has the undertones of a pilgrimage, you’ll also encounter stunning countryside, quaint villages, and a spectacular coastline. The completion of the route crossing the causeway to Holy Island is an especially memorable experience.
The walk is typically completed in 4 – 6 days, with plenty of excellent accommodation to suit all styles and budgets.
Given that most accommodation is found in independently-operated B&Bs and guesthouses, it can be a little tricky to research and know all of your options. Not to worry- we’ve created this guide to make planning easy and help you choose the perfect accommodation for your St. Cuthbert’s Way walk.
Contents
- Should I Reserve My St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation in Advance?
- St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation Cost
- St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation Directory
Should I Reserve My St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation in Advance?
Many of the accommodation providers along the route are small, family-owned, B&Bs and guesthouses. They typically only have a few rooms on offer, so we always recommend making your bookings in advance if possible. This is doubly true if you’re walking in the peak season, especially in the villages closer to the coast. Some of the larger towns along the walk, such as Kirk Yetholm, have more options available, so advance bookings aren’t as essential there.
If you do make bookings in advance (which we recommend), try to do so at least three months before your trip in order to ensure reservations at all of the places you want to stay.
St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation Cost
There are accommodation options to suit nearly every budget on St. Cuthbert’s Way, although there are a few villages where your options will be more limited. The good news is that in this part of Scotland/England, prices are generally a bit less compared to some of the villages along more popular National Trails. Although St. Cuthbert’s Way isn’t a National Trail, it is one of Scotland’s Great Trails.
Prices do of course vary a bit from place to place along the walk, but here is what you can generally expect to pay for accommodation along St. Cuthbert’s Way:
- Mid-Range Hotel: £90+ (per night)
- B&B/Guesthouse: £45 (per person/per night)
- Bunkhouse/Hostel: £30 (per person/per night)
In our accommodation directory, we’ve provided our recommendations for high-end, mid-range, and budget options at all of the common stopping points along St. Cuthbert’s Way. We’ve defined those categories as follows:
- High-End: £75+ (per person/per night)
- Mid-Range: £45-75 (per person/per night)
- Budget:<£45 (per person/per night)
In a few towns along the walk you’ll only find one or two options for accommodation. In those cases, we have only listed the applicable budget category.
St. Cuthbert’s Way Accommodation Directory & Map
There are wonderful places to stay along the entire St. Cuthbert’s Way route. In this accommodation directory, we’ll give you key details about all of your options, as well as our top recommendations for every budget.
We’ve organized our list to follow the traditional west-east route on St. Cuthbert’s Way, starting in Melrose and finishing at Holy Island. You can also view all of the accommodation providers in this directory on the map below.
- Melrose
- St. Boswells
- Harestanes & Jedburgh
- Morebattle
- Kirk Yetholm
- Hethpool
- Wooler
- East Horton
- Fenwick
- Holy Island
Melrose
High-End: Kings Arms Hotel
The Kings Arms Hotel in Melrose is a great option for those looking for a little bit of luxury prior to starting the St. Cuthbert’s Way. Centrally located in Melrose, this hotel is set in a beautiful old building with modern rooms. The on-site pub and garden is a great place to enjoy dinner and a pint before starting your walk. The Kings Arms also gets high marks for the excellent staff.
Mid-Range: The Barn at The Coach House
If you’re after a quiet stay just outside of Melrose, The Barn at The Coach House offers the perfect accommodation. Set on beautiful grounds just a short walk from Melrose, this is a tranquil B&B with exceptional service and amenities. Breakfast is of course included and the wonderful hosts are full of information on the local area.
Budget: Station Hotel & Restaurant
Located in Melrose’s town centre, the Station Hotel & Restaurant is a good budget pick that feels more like a higher end hotel than a budget pick. The rooms are basic here, but the on-site restaurant and pub provide a cozy atmosphere and good meals. The staff is friendly, and the location can’t be beat!
St. Boswells
Mid-Range: Buccleuch Arms
As classic B&B set in St. Boswells, the Buccleuch Arms has a variety of room options available as well as a great pub. The building dates to the 1800s, and there is a lovely garden to sit in once you’ve ended your walk for the day. The staff are friendly and Buccleuch Arms is a good value for your money.
Harestanes & Jedburgh
The St. Cuthbert’s Way officially goes through Harestanes, although you won’t find any accommodation there. Walkers can choose between tacking on a bit of extra distance by walking to Jedburgh, or then can take the local bus or a taxi.
High-End/Mid-Range: Alerton House
If you’re looking for an upscale option set just outside of the town centre, the Allerton House is a great place to lay your head. Located in a beautiful Georgian house with stunning gardens, the Alteron House is full of charm and class. The rooms are well-appointed and the breakfast is sensational. The perfect place to recover after a long day’s walk.
Mid-Range: The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel gets top marks for the friendly staff and thoughtfully designed rooms in the centre of Jedburgh. Rooms are all en-suite here and feature TVs as well as a kettle and coffee maker. The location is great for walkers as its a short taxi or easy bus ride to get here from Harestanes.
Mid-Range: The Spread Eagle Hotel
Clean, comfortable rooms and a central location on Jedburgh’s high street make the Spread Eagle a worthwhile stop on St. Curthbert’s Way. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and you’ll have several different room styles to choose from. The owner goes above and beyond to make your stay comfortable here.
Morebattle
Mid-Range: Templehall Hotel
Templehall is an outstanding hotel in Morebattle, and one of the only accommodation option in the area. This lovely hotel has first class accommodation with well designed rooms, charming grounds, and a beautiful outdoor area. The on-site pub serves up great food. The staff keep the hotel immaculate and are happy to help with any needs you may have.
Highly recommended!
Kirk Yetholm
High-End: Mill House
The Mill House is a great high-end option in Kirk Yetholm. This wonderful B&B features well-appointed and tastefully decorated rooms, with plenty of thoughtful touches. The location is ideal for walkers and the views of the surrounding countryside are magnificent. Breakfast is delicious and high-quality.
Mid-Range: The Border Hotel
Known as the unofficial finishing point of the Pennine Way, the Border Hotel is a good mid-range option that is very friendly to walkers. Regardless of whether you choose to stay the night, be sure to pop in for a pint at the wonderful bar. The hotel has plenty of other great areas to unwind, including an excellent restaurant and outdoor terrace. All of the rooms come with private bathrooms, and some even have a kitchenette.
Budget: Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House
This recently renovated hostel is a great budget option in Kirk Yetholm. It features plenty of great amenities, like a communal kitchen, lounge, and drying room. With dormitory, private, and family rooms available, it can accommodate a variety of travel styles and group sizes. The accommodation is basic, but clean, comfortable, and well-located.
Hethpool
Mid-Range: Hethpool House Bed & Breakfast
The Hethpool House is the main accommodation on offer in Hethpool. They provide B&B accommodation and also have a self-catering cottage on the grounds if that interests you. Currently, they prefer to have a 2-night minimum stay, which certainly won’t work for most walkers on St. Cuthbert’s Way. However, for those who don’t mind spending an extra night here you’ll enjoy nice rooms, a good breakfast, and cozy common spaces.
Budget: Mounthooly Bunkhouse
If you’re looking for a budget option just off the St. Cuthbert’s Way near Hethpool, check out the Mounthooly Bunkhouse. This is a beautiful location at the head of the College Valley, with simple bunkhouse accommodation. The one caveat is that they prefer to rent out the entire bunkhouse to large groups (it can sleep up to 24 guests) rather than let individual beds. However, it is worth calling in advance to see if they have any space available for your dates, even if you don’t need to rent the entire place.
Wooler
Mid-Range: The Old Mill
A classic bed & breakfast, the Old Mill is our top-pick for accommodation in Wooler. Set in a wonderfully quaint old mill, the B&B has a few different rooms to choose from. Although the Old Mill isn’t glamorous, it is everything a proper B&B should be: cozy, inviting, and with exceptionally friendly owners.
This is our top-pick in Wooler!
Mid-Range: No. 1 Hotel
The No. 1 Hotel is well located in Wooler and features good accommodation with breakfast included. The building itself dates back to the 1600s, but you’ll enjoy modern amenities like comfortable beds and free WiFi. Breakfast is self-service in the morning, which is convenient for walkers hoping to get on the trail without too much fuss. Although some of the rooms feel a bit dated, the staff is very friendly and the location is excellent. This is a good mid-range option in Wooler.
Budget: Noble Lands
Set on the outskirts of Wooler, Noble Lands is one of the best budget accommodation options on the entire St. Cuthbert’s Way. The rooms are simple, but spotlessly clean and all feature basic amenities such as TVs and free WiFi. However, do keep in mind that there is not a restaurant/pub on-site, so you’ll need to get your meals elsewhere.
East Horton
Mid-Range: East Horton Farmhouse
The East Horton Farmhouse is a lovely B&B that gives you a true taste of Northumberland. The three en-suite guest rooms are all recently renovated and make an inviting place to rest your head. The tranquil surroundings and comfortable beds mean that you’ll wake up recharged and ready to hit the trail the following day. Breakfast is excellent with a focus on local ingredients, and the hosts are wonderfully accommodating.
Fenwick
Mid-Range: Fenwick Bed & Breakfast
There aren’t many options for accommodation in Fenwick, but should you want to spend the night here before continuing on to Holy Island, the Fenwick Bed & Breakfast is our top pick. Set on the edge of the village with wonderful views, this B&B has just two rooms to choose from. Given that, you can expect excellent service and a quiet night’s sleep before enjoying a hearty breakfast. The garden is lovely and provides a perfect backdrop for what is likely your last night on St. Cuthbert’s Way.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Mid-Range: The Crown & Anchor
The Crown & Anchor offers classic pub-accommodation in a wonderful location on Holy Island. Each of the four guestrooms are comfortable with great natural light and cozy beds. However, what really shines at the Crown & Anchor is the food. The restaurant gets top marks for one of the best on the island, and luckily for overnight guests breakfast is included. The location also can’t be beat as your just steps from the beach and short walk from the Lindisfarne Castle.
Mid-Range: The Ship Inn
A fun and lively place to spend the night on Holy Island, the Ship Inn is one of the best pubs in the area. The accompanying guest rooms are all spacious and well-cared for, but the fun atmosphere is what you’re likely to remember most. There is an excellent outdoor beer garden along with a cozy indoor pub for when the rain comes. The staff is friendly and the owner is extremely welcoming! A great option on Holy Island.
Have a Great Trip!
We hope you found this accommodation guide helpful and we wish you a wonderful time walking St. Cuthbert’s Way. Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know which accommodation was your favorite!
