Following In St Cuthbert's Steps

Geoff and Chrissie Crowther spend time on foot, bike and in the ’van as they travel from Melrose in Scotland to Lindisfarne in Northumberland.

Saint Cuthbert played an important part in the history of Christianity in the 7th century. Becoming Prior of Melrose Abbey in AD 664, he travelled to the villages around the town, preaching the gospels. Later in life, in 676, he became a hermit, living in solitude on the Farne islands. In 684, having been elected Bishop of Hexham, he turned down the post, choosing instead to become Bishop of Lindisfarne. He was buried there, following his death in 687.

St Cuthbert’s Way, running some 62 miles from Melrose in the Borders region of Scotland across into England to finish on Lindisfarne, connects several places associated with the saint during his life. Instigated in 1996, it had long been on Chrissie’s list of long-distance walks to be tackled. So after spending the night wild camping nearby, I dropped Chrissie and her faithful Boxer, Dixie, in the centre of Melrose for the start of her wander. Then, before setting off on our road trip, my Labrador Tilly and I went for a tour of Melrose.

The remains of the abbey weren’t canine-accessible but we sneaked a peek through the railings anyway, before enjoying a sunny ramble along the river and over a splendid suspension footbridge. The centre of the town was filled with a variety of interesting shops and it wasn’t difficult to find a café where we could sit outside in the sun to enjoy coffee and a bowl of cool water.

Chrissie’s plan for her first day was to walk the short distance to the village of Maxton. Tilly and I set off around the lanes, seeking out a wild camp for the night (wild camping in a motorhome is accepted in Scotland). We found a convenient place very close to Maxton, and with a good phone signal I updated Chrissie so she could make the rendezvous.