ST CUTHBERT’S WAY PILGRIMAGE

DAY 1 - MELROSE TO MAXTON

(Approx 11 miles)

The start of the St. Cuthbert’s Way was quite unexpected! A rather worn out first signpost to our journey and very disconcerting little alleyway between houses.

Then came quite a long and steep climb out of Melrose

But long steep climbs are often rewarded by views, a bit cloudy today, but a beautiful view over Melrose none the less

And at the top, there is a stunning bench carved by Scottish artist Sam Bowsher

This bench was put here in memory of John Gilmour Henderson, a pioneer of Scottish walking routes and pilgrimages.

John worked hard to get the St Cuthbert’s Way signposted, mapped and recognised as a pilgrimage route.

This was a beautiful and very verdant bit of woods on the edge of Newtown St. Boswells.

it was full of wild garlic and bluebells which will be stunning in May and June.

Across a common and into our first village, Bowden, where we found an ancient village pump

Bowden village Kirk