Cuddy’s Corse: Guided Walk

St Cuthbert is regarded as the patron Saint of Northern England. His story has been told by many, including the Anglo-Saxon scholar and Saint the Venerable Bede and, most recently, by renowned Durham born writer Benjamin Myers in his novel Cuddy.

The route is symbolic of the Anglo-Saxon Community of St Cuthbert’s journey from Lindisfarne to Durham as they sought refuge from 8th and 9th century Viking raids. They fled Lindisfarne in 875AD carrying the body of St Cuthbert and their most treasured possessions – including the Lindisfarne Gospels, created in honour of St Cuthbert. The community lived in Chester-le-Street for over a century before moving to Durham and settling on the site of what is now the magnificent Durham Cathedral. This walk tells the story of St Cuthbert through fact and fiction.

Starting at 9.30am at the Church of St Mary & St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street and finishing at Durham Cathedral, the walk is 7.5 miles and lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. It is advised to carry water and snacks, noting that the walk passes Finchale Abbey where refreshments can be purchased. Please note that this walk is not step free.

Ruth Robson is a North East England & Cumbria Blue Badge Tourist Guide.

A specially commissioned self-guided literary audio walk along the route of Cuddy’s Corse will be available in October.