St Cuthbert’s Way, a remarkable walking route which straddles the border between Scotland and England, and Killary Fjord, a majestic sea inlet on the west coast of Ireland, have been included in Lonely Planet’s list of top travel experiences for the year ahead.

Killary Fjord, Connemara, Ireland © Tourism Ireland

Stretching 62 miles, St Cuthbert’s Way takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the rolling landscapes of the Borders of Scotland and Northumberland in England, culminating on Holy Island, one of Northumberland’s most iconic destinations, where the dramatic causeway and links to Christian heritage add an unforgettable final chapter to the experience.

Ireland’s only true fjord, Killary Fjord, also known as Killary Harbour, extends inland for ten miles from the Atlantic coast to the lovely village of Leenane at its head. Forming a dramatic border between counties Galway and Mayo, this incredible glacial valley in Connemara offers some of the most spectacular vistas in the West of Ireland.

St Cuthbert’s Way

Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list brings together 50 destinations and travel experiences selected by its global community of travel experts. Killary Fjord and St Cuthbert’s Way feature alongside a diverse collection of experiences from around the world, including France’s Route Napoléon, The Veneto in Italy and León in Spain.

Killary Fjord, is described in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 as “visually arresting” and “achingly beautiful”. The guide also says: “As a visitor, it’s a slower pace here. Tranquil. The landscape doesn’t ask anything except that you respect it, imparting a feeling that you have no place to be that’s better than where you are; nothing much more pressing than deciding what to eat later on.” 

St Cuthbert’s Way is described by Lonely Planet as a “long-distance walking trail that winds through the wild uplands of the English–Scottish border region, following in the footsteps of its namesake early medieval saint.” According to Lonely Planet, “most sublime of all is its last stage, in which pilgrims must walk across an intertidal zone at low water to reach the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.”

Holy Island Causeway at low water © VisitBritain

Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “We are thrilled to see Northumberland featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027. St Cuthbert’s Way perfectly captures the growing demand for more meaningful travel experiences. Whether visitors come to walk, reflect, explore our coast and countryside, discover our historic sites or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, Northumberland offers an unforgettable journey and a genuine sense of place.”

Chief Executive of VisitScotland, Vicki Miller, added: “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.”

Killary Fjord, Connemara, Ireland © Chris Hill Photographic

Aidan Power, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Marketing, said: “This is a superb recognition by ‘Lonely Planet’ of Killary Fjord and the wider Connemara area as a must-visit tourism destination in 2027. This accolade reflects its unique appeal as a special destination for overseas visitors – the breathtaking scenery, rich history and the ability to slow down and spend time in nature.”  

Daniel Bolger, Destination Editor for Lonely Planet, added: “Exploring Killary Fjord has been recognised as one of the best experiences for 2027 because it’s one of those rare places that genuinely takes your breath away. As Ireland’s only true fjord, it combines dramatic scenery with a sense of peace and stillness.”

Janet Redler Travel regularly arranges walking tours along St Cuthbert’s Way. Read about a pilgrimage we organised for a church group from California.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, including visits to Killary Fjord and St Cuthbert’s Way, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like to take a Pilgrimage? If so, we can help.