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St Cuthbert’s Way – Melrose to Harestanes

Walking Route

St Cuthbert’s Way – Melrose to Harestanes

Walking

Your journey on St. Cuthbert’s Way begins at the gates of the 12th-century Melrose Abbey. From here, an invigorating climb leads over the Eildon Hills, the most iconic landmark in the Scottish Borders.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Lammermuir Hills and the Cheviot range.

Descending through Bowden and Newtown St Boswells, the route follows the tranquil River Tweed, passing the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey—a favorite vista of Sir Walter Scott—on the way to Maxton. From there, you’ll walk south along Dere Street, a historic Roman road that leads to the Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, where you can stop for refreshments or take a short detour to the Waterloo Monument.

Most walkers spend their first or second night in Jedburgh, which offers a wide range of accommodation. You can reach the town via a 4km (2.5 mile) walk along the Borders Abbeys Way from Jedfoot, or by taking a local bus or taxi from Harestanes.

Downloads:
St Cuthbert's Way - Melrose to Harestanes.gpx
height
Distance:
14mi / 23km
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Total climb:
1,837ft / 560m
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Total descent:
1,771ft / 540m
Towns along route:
Melrose, Bowden, Newtown St Boswells, Maxton
Difficulty:
Hard
Difficulty notes:
Most people walk St. Cuthbert’s Way from west to east, which chronologically fits in with St. Cuthbert’s life, but more importantly means the wind is usually behind you, and Holy Island lures you to the coast.
Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Image of Melrose

Melrose

Towns & Villages

The trail starts in Melrose beside the magical Eildon Hills.

Image of Bowden

Bowden

Towns & Villages

Bowden is peaceful village, situated 3 miles south of Melrose and west of Newtown St Boswells.

Image of Newtown St Boswells

Newtown St Boswells

Towns & Villages

Newtown St Boswells is a village situated on the Bowden Burn.

Image of Your journey on St. Cuthbert’s Way begins at the gates of the 12th-century Melrose Abbey. From here, an invigorating climb leads over the Eildon Hills, the most iconic landmark in the Scottish Borders. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Lammermuir Hills and the Cheviot range. Descending through Bowden and Newtown St Boswells, the route follows the tranquil River Tweed, passing the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey—a favorite vista of Sir Walter Scott—on the way to Maxton. From there, you’ll walk south along Dere Street, a historic Roman road that leads to the Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, where you can stop for refreshments or take a short detour to the Waterloo Monument. Most walkers spend their first or second night in Jedburgh, which offers a wide range of accommodation. You can reach the town via a 4km (2.5 mile) walk along the Borders Abbeys Way from Jedfoot, or by taking a local bus or taxi from Harestanes.

Maxton

Towns & Villages

Located on the St. Cuthbert's Way long distance footpath, Maxton lies just off the A68, south of St. Boswells and east of Newtown St. Boswells.

Image of Harestanes

Harestanes - Ancrum

Scottish Crafts & Gifts

A unique rural setting to unwind or an ideal base to explore the Teviot Valley. Café, gift shop and play park.