To Holy Island and Home Again
A Pastoral Pilgrimage Along St. Cuthbert’s Way
Become a pilgrim.
Travel on foot along St. Cuthbert’s Way, through the hills and moors of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, England. The path will take us to the ruins of medieval abbeys, along the banks of the River Tweed, through sleepy stone villages, and over the hills of Northumberland National Park. Finally, we'll cross the spectacular Pilgrim’s Way, walking on the floor of the North Sea (at low tide) to reach our destination: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Follow in Cuthbert’s Footsteps
Our journey will also trace the life of St. Cuthbert, a lesser-known saint in our time, but arguably the most famous of his own. We’ll use Cuthbert’s story as a starting point for reflecting on our own spiritual lives and pastoral vocations. Cuthbert was a pastor’s saint, with a heart for the common people, a knack for navigating church conflict, and a fierce internal tug-of-war between his desire to retreat and be with God and his call to go out and lead.
Join us.
Join us on this trip that combines pilgrimage, retreat, and rest. Each morning we’ll walk 6-9 miles of St. Cuthbert’s Way (with baggage transfer so you don’t have to carry everything on your back!) Each evening we’ll reflect on the life of Cuthbert and on our own lives. There will be time for prayer and naps, conversation and silence as we slow down and take in this incredible landscape at a walking pace.
The Details
DATES: May 25-June 3, 2026 and June 15-22, 2026
LOCATION: fly in and out of Edinburgh, pilgrimage between Melrose, Scotland and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, England.
GROUP SIZE: 8 participants, plus 2 leaders
PROGRAM FEE: $2800
INCLUDES: lodging, local transportation, guide services, luggage transfer, and meals
MOBILITY AND STAMINA: We will walk over 30 miles in 5 days. The terrain is varied but includes large hills. Participants should have appropriate clothing, including good hiking footwear, and be prepared to walk 6-9 miles/day at a pace of about 2 miles/hr..
RESERVE YOUR SPOT: $1000 reserves your place. $1000 due by January 15, and the balance by March 15.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh. Travel together by train to Melrose. Visit Melrose Abbey.
Day 2: Begin our pilgrimage at Melrose Abbey. Walk to Dryburgh Abbey Hotel (optional trip to Dryburgh Abbey).
Day 3: Walk from Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm. Stay in Jedburgh (optional trip to Jedburgh Abbey).
Day 4: Walk across the border to England and through Northumberland National Park. Stay in Wooler, England. (Optional tour of Ad Gefrin Distillery.)
Day 5: Walk from Wooler to St. Cuthbert's Cave. Second night in Wooler.
Day 6: Walk from Fenwick to Lindisfarne, crossing the North Sea at low tide! Explore Holy Island.
Day 7: Return to Edinburgh. Possible visit to St. Cuthbert's Church. Farewell dinner.
