In easy stages, this guidebook describes three diverse long-distance trails leading through Northumberland and the Borders; St Oswald’s Way, St Cuthbert’s Way and the Northumberland Coastal Path. From rugged hills to sandstone outcrops and heather moorland to coastal dunes, this is one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes for walking and backpacking far away from it all.

With Iron Age hill forts and medieval abbeys, along with a scattering of exceptionally impressive castles, Northumberland and the Borders are incredibly rich in history. Wildlife ranges from grey seals to red squirrels, and migrant bird species winter here in their tens of thousands.

St Oswald’s Way (97 miles) stretches from Heavenfield on Hadrian’s Wall to Holy Island (also known as Lindisfarne) off the Northumberland coast. It is a trail which encounters rolling farmland and vast sandy beaches. This trek also follows a large part of the Northumberland Coastal Path, and an added stage provided means you can walk the Coastal Path in its entirety with this guidebook too.

St Cuthbert’s Way (62 miles) begins in Melrose in the Borders and also leads to Holy Island. It crosses the rugged Cheviot Hills along with the Eildon and Leaderfoot National Scenic Area.

Both trails pass through the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding National Beauty, so take your camera, as you are guaranteed some fantastic scenery, whichever trail you choose.

?    each trail can be walked within one week
?    good public transport links
?    unspoilt scenery and plentiful historic interest
?    well maintained, clearly marked trails