A HISTORIC Scottish walking route has been named one of the world's best travel experiences for 2027 by Lonely Planet.
St Cuthbert’s Way, which begins in Melrose in the Scottish Borders before crossing into Northumberland and finishing on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, has been included in the travel guide's prestigious Best in Travel list.
The 62-mile pilgrimage route was selected alongside experiences across the globe including taking a polar plunge in Antarctica, sailing Italy's Aeolian Islands and riding India's Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Lonely Planet's annual list features 50 destinations and experiences chosen by its global network of travel experts.
St Cuthbert's Way begins in the Borders town of Melrose, where walkers can visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey before travelling through the surrounding countryside and eventually crossing the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne.
Lonely Planet described the route as a journey through the “wild uplands” of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, taking walkers across moorland, past ancient hillforts and through villages before reaching Holy Island.
The route was one of 25 experiences selected for the 2027 list, alongside exploring Killary Fjord in Ireland, driving France's Route Napoléon, visiting the Galápagos Islands and hiking Japan's 1000km Michinoku Trail.
The travel publisher said this year's choices reflected growing demand for slower travel, less crowded destinations and more “meaningful experiences”.
Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, welcomed the recognition.
She said: “We’re thrilled that Lonely Planet has included St Cuthbert’s Way in its Best in Travel 2027 list.
“The Scottish Borders has so much to offer. Its stunning scenery, rich history and distinct culture calls to visitors from around the world, and St Cuthbert’s Way offers this in abundance as it winds its way through the region.
“The South of Scotland is hugely popular for active outdoor pursuits, such as walking and cycling, and in line with the ambition of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy, we continue to work with our partners to inspire visitors and develop the visitor experience.
“This accolade is a huge opportunity to help spread that slow tourism message on the global stage, encouraging visitors to take their time to discover the region.”
Scotland also features indirectly elsewhere on Lonely Planet's list, with Dunedin and the Waitaki region in New Zealand named among its best places to visit.
Dunedin was historically dubbed the “Edinburgh of the South” because of its Scottish heritage, and Lonely Planet said the city and surrounding region had developed into one of New Zealand's “coolest and quirkiest corners”.
Other destinations selected among the best places to visit in 2027 include Quebec in Canada, Veneto in Italy, León in Spain, Oman, Okinawa in Japan and Rabat in Morocco.
See Lonely Planet's full 2027 list of destinations and experiences below:
Best Places:
- Quebec, Canada – Canada’s largest province with a unique blend of European charm, French-Canadian culture, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural wonders.
- Northern California Coast & its Redwoods, USA - Head to the Humboldt Redwoods and Jedediah State Parks or Fern Valley, to marvel at the awe-inspiring, centuries old woodlands on a truly monumental scale.
- Maryland, USA – Explore the rolling green hills, coastal escapes, maritime heritage, local quirks and an abundance of fresh seafood of this East Coast state.
- Prince Edward Island, Canada – Known as Canada’s food island, the country’s smallest province is home to lighthouses, white-sand beaches, red sandstone cliffs, lush hills and famed for its seafood.
- New Mexico, USA – Take a road trip across otherworldly landscapes, through scenes from the wild west and experience the thriving Native American culture.
- The Veneto, Italy – beyond the popular city of Venice the northeastern region of Italy offers dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites and Lake Garda and Renaissance cities including Verona and Padua.
- Dessau, Germany - A small city with a huge cultural legacy, synonymous with the Bauhaus movement and its approach to art, architecture and design.
- Skanör - Falsterbo, Sweden – Often referred to as the Swedish Riviera, these charming twin towns, linked by a bridge are home to colourful cottages, blooming gardens, and an endless coastline.
- Šibenik, Croatia – This small, but lively, Adriatic city combines impressive architecture, gastronomic delights and a colourful calendar of festivals throughout the year.
- León, Spain – Located in northern Spain, off the traditional tourist radar, it is one of the country’s most evocative medieval cities, combining magnificent Gothic architecture, centuries of history and a lively contemporary spirit.
- Montserrat - One of the Caribbean’s most overlooked islands, with emerald-green peaks, black-sand beaches, and a fascinating history shaped by volcanic fire.
- Bariloche and the lakes, Argentina - This adventure hub is the gateway to Argentina’s Lake District, a region with pristine waterways, soaring mountains, and dense forests.
- Granada, Nicaragua - One of the oldest European-built cities in the Western Hemisphere, and a masterpiece of Spanish architecture and world-class hospitality.
- Bocas del Toro, Panama - Seek out the abundant wildlife, explore an increasingly inspired culinary scene or experience the magic of bioluminescence on a nighttime tour.
- Oman - A land of spectacular contrasts, pairing vast desert landscapes with rugged mountains that rise to more than 10,000 feet, framed by an extraordinary coastline.
- Rabat, Morocco – the country’s capital combines historical sites, and atmospheric gardens with a modern skyline, lively music scene and soft-sand surf beaches.
- Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya - Offering vast red-earth savannahs, enormous elephant herds, dramatic lava flows and quiet, crowd-free horizons.
- Dunedin & the Waitaki, New Zealand - Once considered ‘Edinburgh of the South’, thanks to its Scottish heritage, the town of Dunedin and surrounding Waitaki region is now one of the country’s coolest and quirkiest corners.
- The Tweed, Australia – Known for its food and arts scene, the area in NSW is home to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a former rail corridor currently being transformed into an 82-mile mixed-use pathway.
- New Caledonia, South Pacific – Blending French and Indigenous culture, where tropical lagoons and rugged mountains meet scenes that could have been lifted from the Wild West.
- Okinawa, Japan - A subtropical, chain of islands with a distinct culture, resplendent nature and a laid-back atmosphere in the country’s southernmost prefecture.
- Chengdu, China - From leisurely tea houses to hip-hop, street style and a famously laid-back attitude, Chengduers have turned everyday life into an art form in this city.
- Gujarat, India – A region combining sunbaked salt flats, temple-studded towns, wild lions, ancient crafts and India’s longest coastline, a mix of heritage and warm hospitality.
- Danang, Vietnam - Blessed with mountains, a long city beach, cool vibe and easy access to three UNESCO-listed sites, this is a vibrant base for exploring central Vietnam.
- Fulidhoo, Maldives – One of the Maldives’ non-resort local islands, pairing powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters with a more authentic, affordable alternative.
Best Experiences:
- Walk St Cuthbert’s Way, Scottish Borders to Northumberland - Follow this 62-mile historic pilgrimage from Melrose to Lindisfarne, through the wild uplands of the Scottish Borders to Northumberland, through moorlands, past ghostly hillforts, stopping at village pubs on the way to the intertidal zone across to Holy Island.
- Explore Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland - Tucked along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, along track-like roads of Connemara, the fjord cuts its way 10 miles inland towards the village of Leenaun, past steep peaks that change dramatically with the seasons; this is a strong contender for the most breathtaking place in the country.
- Turn temporary keeper at Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA - Embrace gilded age charm with an off-grid overnight stay, complete with spectacular sunsets.
- Enjoy wine and fine-dine in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico - An emerging wine destination where farm-to-table restaurants and beautiful architecture meet.
- Barhop Miami’s South Beach hotels, USA - Soak up the sunshine and the glamour of Miami’s iconic Art Deco hotels, with a cocktail or two along the way.
- Savour the Slow Road, Minnesota, USA – A scenic road trip from Minneapolis along the north shore of Lake Superior, discover Indigenous heritage and some of the wildest landscapes in the USA at a slower pace.
- Road-trip through history on Route Napoléon, France - Follow this mythical road through coastal villages, lavender-scented hills and cinematic alpine scenery.
- Sail the Aeolian Islands, Italy - Escape to little-known islands, where rugged coastlines, crystal-clear waters and the authentic Italian lifestyle is waiting.
- Dive into Poseidon’s underwater world in the Aegean Sea, Greece where wrecks, caves and centuries of maritime history create an underwater playground.
- Go on a Galápagos expedition cruise, Ecuador - Explore the 23,000-square-mile archipelago and reach outer islands that are inaccessible to independent travellers.
- Dance tango at a Buenos Aires milonga, Argentina – Get immersed in the passionate nightlife, where couples and strangers come together each night in the sensual embrace of tango.
- Take a polar plunge, Antarctica - Take an Antarctic expedition cruise to see penguins, seals, whales, icebergs and glaciers and, if you’re brave enough, try a polar plunge, the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled experience.
- Marvel at Monteverde's cloud forest, Costa Rica - Wrapped in wisps of mist, echoing with birdsong and dripping with life, this is a magical experience.
- The Museums of Abu Dhabi - Discover Saadiyat Island’s dazzling cultural district, the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi’s 21st-century renaissance.
- Meet Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees, Tanzania - Follow the footsteps of Jane and encounter chimpanzees while experiencing the legacy of her pioneering work.
- São Tomé and Príncipe’s deserted beaches - Explore forest-clad islands, deserted beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes steeped in captivating stories.
- Immerse in art in the Red Centre, Australia - Discover the vibrant artistic traditions of Aboriginal art and explore the extraordinary landscapes of the Northern Territory.
- Experience Faʻa, Samoa - Soak up Samoa’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters while experiencing the warmth, pride and traditions of its unique way of life.
- Embark on ocean adventures, French Polynesia - Dive into the world’s largest marine sanctuary, renowned for whale watching.
- Glide on a longboat to orangutan territory, Sarawak, Malaysia - Only accessible by boat, Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary holds 80% of Sarawak’s orangutans.
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India - Climb through the spectacular scenery onboard this charming UNESCO-listed blue train.
- Michinoku Trail, Japan - Hike this epic 1000km trail along Japan’s northeastern coast, combining dramatic scenery, rich culture and warm local hospitality.
- Follow a Foodie Trail, Taiwan - Savour a culinary melting pot of Indigenous, Chinese and Japanese influences, exceptional seafood and an abundance of local produce across the island.
- Be dazzled by Kazakhstan’s futuristic architecture, Astana - Rooted in tradition, yet truly embracing the future, this is a city that is truly coming into its own.
- Go flightseeing in Alaska, USA - With just 20% of Alaska accessible by road, taking to the skies is one of the best ways to experience its vast, spectacular wilderness
