St Cuthbert’s Way Named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 – Stay at the Start of Scotland’s World-Famous Walking Route
One of Scotland’s most beautiful long-distance walking routes has just received worldwide recognition. St Cuthbert’s Way, which begins in the historic town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders and ends at the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland, England, has been named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 experiences.
For walkers, nature lovers and travellers looking for authentic experiences away from busy tourist hotspots, this is exciting news. And for visitors from overseas, there has never been a better time to discover one of Britain’s hidden gems: the beautiful Scottish Borders.
At Eildon Melrose Holiday Cottages & Luxury Log Cabins, we are perfectly placed at the very beginning of the route, offering comfortable self-catering accommodation just outside Melrose and beneath the iconic Eildon Hills.
Whether you are walking St Cuthbert’s Way, exploring Scotland, or simply looking for a peaceful countryside escape, we recommend adding a few extra days to your itinerary and discovering everything this remarkable region has to offer.
What is St Cuthbert’s Way?
St Cuthbert’s Way is a 100km (62-mile) walking route that follows the journey of the 7th-century saint, Cuthbert, from Melrose Abbey in Scotland to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) on England’s northeast coast.
The route takes walkers through:
- Rolling hills and peaceful countryside
- Historic abbeys and ancient sites
- Traditional villages and country pubs
- The spectacular Cheviot Hills
- The famous tidal crossing to Holy Island
Lonely Planet highlighted St Cuthbert’s Way as an experience that allows travellers to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy meaningful travel away from crowded destinations.
Where is Melrose?
Many international visitors know Edinburgh, but fewer know about the Scottish Borders – one of Scotland’s most scenic and unspoilt regions.
Melrose is a charming market town in the south of Scotland, around:
- 1 hour from Edinburgh
- 1.5 hours from Edinburgh Airport
- 1.5 hours from Newcastle Airport
- Easily reached by train via the Borders Railway and a short taxi ride
Melrose is famous for:
- The magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey
- The Eildon Hills
- Walking and cycling trails
- Excellent local food and drink
- Its warm welcome and relaxed pace of life
St Cuthbert’s Way begins in the heart of Melrose, making the town the perfect place to start your adventure.
Stay at the Start of St Cuthbert’s Way
At Eildon Melrose Holiday Cottages & Luxury Log Cabins, we offer a collection of self-catering cottages and authentic Scottish log cabins set in peaceful countryside just outside Melrose, at the foot of the Eildon Hills.
Guests can choose from:
- Traditional Scottish log cabins
- Stone-built holiday cottages
- Hot tubs (selected properties)
- Dog-friendly accommodation
- Fully enclosed gardens
- Beautiful countryside views
- Easy access to walking routes and Melrose town centre
Our accommodation is ideal for:
- Walking holidays
- Couples and families
- Groups of friends
- Overseas visitors touring Scotland
- Guests combining Edinburgh with a countryside break
We have a minimum stay of three nights, which perfectly suits visitors wanting to experience more than just the walk itself.
Why Add Extra Nights in the Scottish Borders?
Many visitors arrive to walk St Cuthbert’s Way and quickly realise there is far more to discover in the Scottish Borders.
By staying an extra few nights, you can enjoy:
Explore the Eildon Hills
The famous triple peaks overlooking Melrose offer some of the finest views in southern Scotland.
Visit Historic Abbeys
Discover Melrose Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey and Kelso Abbey.
Experience World-Class Mountain Biking
The Tweed Valley, including Glentress and Innerleithen, is one of Britain’s leading mountain biking destinations.
Day Trips to Edinburgh
Take the scenic Borders Railway and explore Scotland’s capital city without needing to stay in a busy city centre.
Discover Hidden Scotland
The Scottish Borders offers authentic experiences, beautiful landscapes and friendly communities, all without the crowds found in more famous destinations.
A Different Side of Scotland
For many overseas visitors, Scotland means Edinburgh, the Highlands or Loch Ness.
But the Scottish Borders offers something equally special:
- Stunning scenery
- Rich history
- Great walking
- Excellent food
- Peace and tranquillity
- Genuine local hospitality
Lonely Planet’s recognition of St Cuthbert’s Way shines a global spotlight on a region that has long been one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
Plan Your St Cuthbert’s Way Holiday
If you are planning to walk St Cuthbert’s Way, tour Scotland, or simply escape to the countryside, Melrose is the perfect base.
At Eildon Melrose Holiday Cottages & Luxury Log Cabins, our three-night minimum stay encourages visitors to slow down, relax, and discover the very best of the Scottish Borders – exactly the kind of meaningful travel experience celebrated by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027.
Book your stay and begin your St Cuthbert’s Way adventure where it all starts – beneath the Eildon Hills in beautiful Melrose.