A rewarding 1.5-hour circular walk that combines Northumberland’s intriguing religious history, some striking geological formations, and far-reaching views across the rolling Cheviots and towards the coastline, where Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle punctuate the horizon. In spring, coconut-scented gorse set the hills ablaze in a vivid yellow, elevating this already very attractive route.
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Walk Stats:
- Location: Near Holburn, Northumberland.
- Start/end location: The free St Cuthbert’s Cave National Trust Car Park.
- Distance & duration: 3.4miles/5.5km, 1 hr 30 mins.
- Walk type: Circular – anticlockwise recommended.
- Route link: AllTrails.
- Terrain: Primarily a grass or stone footpath, but a little boggy/muddy and overgrown at the end.
- Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or young children.
Highlights: Why We Love It
- The wonderful 360-degree views on the Greensheen Hill section across the heather-clad Cheviot Hills to the west and the coast and castles at Holy Island and Bamburgh in the east. A real treat.
- Spotting centuries-old graffiti etched into the stone at St Cuthbert’s Cave (just don’t add your own!).
- Exploring the intriguing rock formations at St Cuthbert’s Cave and the outcrops just beyond.
About the St Cuthbert’s Cave Circular Walk
St Cuthbert’s Cave, the namesake of this walk, is a dramatic sandstone overhang supported by a single stone pillar. It’s said to have sheltered monks fleeing Viking raids in the 9th century, as they carried the body of St Cuthbert — an Anglo-Saxon monk, bishop, and hermit — to Durham Cathedral.
While the cave’s historical significance and striking geological formation make for a fascinating early stop on the walk (note the Victorian-era graffiti etched into the stone), for me, this route is all about the views that follow.
Climbing steeply up behind the cave, the footpath soon veers north across open moorland to Greensheen Hill trig point, standing at 205 metres. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping countryside views of the Cheviot Hills to your left and the Northumbrian coastline to your right. On a clear day, Holy Island with its iconic Lindisfarne Castle, and Bamburgh Castle further behind, are easy-to-spot landmarks.
Open and exposed, the Greensheen Hill moorland can be very wind-whipped, but the path soon dips down near Holburn Lake and Moss, a former mire for peat extraction, now a thriving wetland for birdlife.
After squeezing through some gorse-encroached footpaths, the walk returns through sheep fields and alongside the trickling Poplar Burn, to join the quiet road back to the car park.
At just under 3.5 miles, this route features steady climbs and a range of interesting features, making it a worthwhile short walk to squeeze in while exploring Northumberland.
St Cuthbert’s Cave Circular Walk Photo Gallery:
Things to Know:
- Private road warning: At the end of the Poplar Burn section, ensure you don’t follow the private farm track through the fields on your left. Instead, stay on the footpath towards Topboot Wood and join the road from there.
- Terrain note: The route becomes slightly overgrown and boggy near the end alongside Poplar Burn. Be prepared for mud.
- Limited car parking: The St Cuthbert’s Cave National Trust Car Park is small, probably fitting around 15 or so considerately parked cars.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome, though on leash is recommended due to many birds. Bring water, as there are no easily accessible refill points.
- Facilities: No public toilets, shops or cafes near the car park or enroute.
- OS Map: Explorer 340 – Holy Island & Bamburgh / Landranger 75 – Berwick-upon-Tweed