St Cuthbert's Cave Walk

2 miles (3.4 km)

This walk visits an interesting�Sandstone cave near Belford in Northumberland. The monks of Lindisfarne reputedly brought St. Cuthbert's body to the site in AD875 following Viking raids on the Island. They sheltered in the caves before travelling the old kingdom of Northumberland for a number of years before finally settling at Durham. The bones are now enshrined in Durham Cathedral behind the main altar.
The cave is surrounded by attractive Scots Pine Woodland and includes a short climb to a viewpoint where you can see the nearby Holy Island. The route runs for about 2 miles with a moderate hill climb up to the cave at the start.
Start the walk from the car park just to the east of Holburn. From here you follow paths north east towards the cave and the surrounding woodland. The route then follows woodland trails before heading into the countryside surrounding the cave.
The St Cuthbert's Way long distance trail runs past the cave so you could pick this up to extend your walk. Heading north will take you through Shiellow Wood to Fenwick. Beyond there you will find the Lindisfarne Causeway taking you to the wonderful Lindisfarne Castle and Holy Island.
Heading south west along the trail will take you to Chimney Hill and Wooler where you can visit Wooler Common.
You can also reach the site from nearby Belford by following the St Oswald's Way north west to the Swinhoe Lakes and Fawcet Hill.