Scotland
Affric Kintail Way
Coming soon
- On trail 12.4 mi 19.9 km
- Walking time 5–6 h
- Ascent 520 m 1,700 ft
- Descent 1,020 m 3,350 ft
- Difficulty Hard
The last of the Cheviots, The Schil, and the long descent to the finish.
Section 16: Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm map
Cross-check: Pennine Way route description on National Trails . The walk follows that page's sixteen days, checked 17 October 2026. Distance and climb are measured on our line between these ends, not taken from its mile figures.
The walk
All that stands between you and the end: more big hills, strong winds and a few hungry bogs. Much like the first half of the ridge, only better for scenery and less boggy. Two choices on the way: whether to detour out and back to the top of The Cheviot, and whether to take the higher or lower route for the final descent. After Auchope Cairn and The Schil comes a long, spectacular and possibly emotional descent into Kirk Yetholm. Don't expect cheering crowds. You have done great things.
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Start of section
Windy Gyle
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Optional detour
The Cheviot
The highest of the Cheviot hills, an out-and-back from the Way. Its broad top is boggy; the views from the main line are often better.
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Shelter
Auchope Cairn and the refuge
The second refuge hut on the ridge, just below Auchope Cairn, before the drop toward The Schil.
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The Schil
A rocky top on the border with the last big views over the Cheviots. Then the path chooses high or low for the descent.
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The finish
Kirk Yetholm
The Way ends at the Border Hotel in this small Border village. Locals see Wayfarers finish all the time, but you know what you have done.
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Official finish
Kirk Yetholm
Section 16: Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm overview
The ground
- High ridge
- Steep descent
- Flagstones
The end of the ridge, then a long descent to the finish. Less boggy than Byrness to Windy Gyle and easier to follow, with the best views of the Cheviots. The descent at the end is long.
Stops
Refreshments
- Nothing until Kirk Yetholm. The Border Hotel
- at the official finish
- serves food; Town Yetholm
- a short walk on
- has the Plough Hotel
Toilets
- No source used for this section names a public toilet
Before you go
Opposite direction
Kirk Yetholm to Windy Gyle
Walked north to south, this is the first day: a long climb out of Kirk Yetholm over The Schil, past Auchope Cairn onto the ridge, then along the border to Windy Gyle. Without a bed on the ridge, most walkers carry on to Byrness the same day.
End of section
Windy Gyle
Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm FAQ
Should I climb The Cheviot?
Only if you have the time, legs and weather. It is an out-and-back detour from the Way over boggy ground. Many walkers skip it and enjoy the views from the ridge.
Which route should I take down to Kirk Yetholm?
The Way splits for the final descent: a higher route over the hills and a lower one by the valley. The higher route has the bigger views; the lower one is gentler in wind or cloud.
Can I walk Byrness to Kirk Yetholm in one day?
Yes, and our plans do: it is about 24.9 mi (40 km) over the whole Cheviot ridge, a very long day. The official sixteen days split it at Windy Gyle with a lift off the ridge.
Can I download a GPX for Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Day 15 on the 15-day walks the ridge from Byrness in one go. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 15-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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