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Epilepsy Action is a working name of British Epilepsy Association.

British Epilepsy Association is a Registered Charity (Registered in England No. 234343) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered in England No. 797997).

© Epilepsy Action 2008

St Cuthbert’s Way

6-9 June 2008

St Cuthbert’s Way is a 62½ mile trek that runs from the border town of Melrose to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne lying off the Northumbrian coast, following, roughly, the route taken by St Cuthbert in the seventh century.

The historic walk starts at the 12th century Cistercian Abbey in Melrose and quickly climbs up through the distinctive landmark of the Eildon Hills. Descending, the track leads through Bowden village and the small town of Newton St Boswells before picking up the River Tweed. Later, after Maxton village, the route joins Dere Street, the Roman road which originally ran from York to Edinburgh.

Melrose Abbey

The Teviot River is crossed early in day two and eventually the route leaves Dere Street and heads past Cessford Castle to Morebattle, from where you begin the 400 metre ascent up Wideopen Hill, where you reach the highest point on the whole walk and also the halfway point. The second day ends with a steep descent to Kirk Yetholm.

Early on day three, the Scotland-England border is crossed. The remainder of this day is spent crossing the magnificent Cheviot Hills and ends by passing through Wooler over Weetwood Moor to the 16th century Weetwood Bridge.

The fourth and final day sees the track wind its way towards the costal plain, through pleasant farmland providing easy walking. Later, you will see St Cuthbert’s Cave, one of the highlights of the walk. A few minutes later, a short ascent from the cave provides the first glimpse of the sea and Holy Island. Three more hours of relaxed walking brings you to the end of the trail at the 12th century Lindisfarne Priory.

The route takes four days to complete – the distance walked each day varies from 15 miles to 16.5 miles. There is no climbing/ scrambling involved, but the event is physically demanding, involving approximately eight hours walking each day. However, this is more than made up for by the tremendous views!

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in guest houses or hotels of a good standard.

Food and drink

From days two to four, breakfast and packed lunches will be provided. Walkers will be responsible for paying for their evening meals.

Guides

All of our guides are highly motivated, experienced mountaineers and also qualified first aiders. They offer both experience and encouragement, as well as sharing their great sense of humour!

Transport

Transport will always be on hand during the trip to transport us to our evening accommodation and to take luggage to each overnight stop. It will also be there for safety should anyone retire from the event for any reason.

Each walker will be responsible for getting to Melrose for the10am start on day one, but as the minibuses will be travelling from Glasgow and Edinburgh it will be possible for walkers to meet a bus there and get a lift to Melrose. Similarly, at the end of the walk, all those who wish it will be brought back to Glasgow and Edinburgh, with a diversion to Melrose if anyone has left a car there.

Cost

Participants are asked to pledge to raise £500 sponsorship money in order to cover all costs and ensure Epilepsy Action benefits significantly. Obviously, if you can raise more than the minimum amount it would be greatly appreciated. We ask that £167 of the sponsorship is sent in at least three weeks before the event and the remaining £333 is sent in 28 days after the event. An additional £50 non-refundable deposit is required with each application.

What next?

Contact Melanie Taylor in our fundraising department for more information on 0113 210 8800 or email funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Fundraising guide

Index · Advice · Ideas · Money · Publicity · Training plans
A to Z of fundraising ideas

Download or print our fundraising guide
Download or print a sponsorship form
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