NORTHUMBERLAND / WOODLAND WALK / HIDDEN HISTORY
St Cuthbert’s Cave Circular Walk: Complete Northumberland Guide
Follow an atmospheric woodland circuit from Holburn Grange to St Cuthbert’s Cave, with sandstone crags, open-country views and centuries of Northumbrian legend.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
St Cuthbert’s Cave is hidden beneath a sandstone overhang in peaceful woodland west of Belford. Tradition says monks carrying St Cuthbert’s body away from Lindisfarne sheltered here in AD 875.
This compact circular walk adds Greensheen Hill and views towards Holy Island to the direct cave visit. Expect grassy tracks, woodland paths, gates and sections that can become muddy or boggy after rain.
Mapped and ready
See the route before you set off.
The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.
Route overview
Holburn Grange car park → rising track towards Greensheen Hill → Holburn Lake viewpoints → St Cuthbert’s Cave woodland → return to Holburn Grange.
- Approximately 5.2 km circular
- Approximately 121–130 m ascent
- Allow 1½–2½ hours
Follow the route
1. Leave Holburn Grange
Exit the National Trust car park and turn left onto the broad grassy track, climbing gently north-east from the farm.
2. Continue towards Greensheen Hill
Stay on the signed public route through gates and across open ground. The higher section gives wide views towards the Northumberland coast and Holy Island in clear weather.
3. Curve around Holburn Lake
Follow the established tracks around the hill and lake area, respecting signs, livestock and any seasonal ground conditions.
4. Enter the woodland
Join the signed path towards St Cuthbert’s Cave. Continue beneath the trees until the large sandstone overhang appears above the path.
5. Visit the cave and return
After exploring the cave respectfully, follow the signed track west towards Holburn Grange and retrace the final approach to the car park.
Live hotel map
See exactly where you could stay.
Explore live hotels and holiday accommodation around Northumberland, then compare the options that fit the route rather than booking somewhere miles out of the way.
Affiliate links may earn Days Out Now a commission at no extra cost to you. Live prices and availability are set by the booking provider.
Before you go
Practical information.
Paths vary from broad grassy tracks to rough, steep and sometimes boggy sections. Wear supportive footwear and carry waterproofs. Mobile reception can be weak. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and ground-nesting birds. The cave and surrounding woodland should be treated respectfully. Use the GPX and waypoint map as planning aids, not as your only navigation.
Terrain
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Accessibility
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Toilets and refreshments
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Dogs
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Safety
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Build the whole day
Plan it without opening six tabs.
The route, hotel map, nearby ideas and free planning tools are all here when you need them.
See the shape of the journey
Return to the genuine route overview and interactive map before you set off.
Open the route map →Choose a base that makes sense
Compare live places to stay on the map instead of guessing from a list of names.
Explore the hotel map →Add something memorable
Find a carefully placed attraction, experience or extra stop that works with the route.
See things to do →Take the useful bits with you
Open the free Travel Club for route downloads, planning help and member savings.
Open the free Travel Club →Keep exploring
Things to do near Northumberland.
Pop to Alnick or the beautiful coastline for lots of activities for all of the family.
Useful answers
St Cuthbert’s Cave Circular Walk: Complete Northumberland Guide FAQs.
How far is the St Cuthbert’s Cave circular walk?
This version is approximately 3.2 miles or 5.2 km, beginning and ending at the Holburn Grange National Trust car park.
Is St Cuthbert’s Cave suitable for children?
Active older children should enjoy it, but the unsurfaced tracks can be muddy, uneven and steep in places. Supervise children around crags and slippery rock.
Is parking available at St Cuthbert’s Cave?
Yes. A small free National Trust car park is available at Holburn Grange, but capacity is limited and considerate parking is essential.
Can I walk directly to the cave instead?
Yes. The signed direct route from Holburn Grange is just over 1 km each way. The circular guide adds hill, lake and wider landscape views.
Where next?
More walks in Northumberland.
Keep the planning going with another mapped Days Out Now guide from the same area.
Days Out Now Free Travel Club
Take the useful bits with you
Join free for GPX route files and access to Days Out Now member benefits, including eligible days-out savings.
Join freeFor local businesses
Own somewhere visitors should discover near Northumberland?
Showcase your accommodation, food stop, attraction or activity to readers already planning a trip to the area.
Leave a Reply