The best way to discover the beautiful Scottish Border country is by bike. This colourful cycle tour in Scotland takes you through vastly changing landscapes. You will become familiar with the charming North Sea coast, before cycling inland, along the banks of the River Tweed. As you ride west, your surroundings become hillier. Deep green forests and heathland line the cycle paths here. This is a land of history; you will discover majestic castles and historic abbeys as you ride. Uncover the eventful histories of England and Scotland, two of the world's most infamous neighbours.
You cycle to Berwick-upon-Tweed, England's northernmost town. It is on a peninsula at the mouth of the River Tweed, which actually forms 30 km of the border between England and Scotland. Over the centuries, its status as a border town has influenced the city. Many significant events played out here during the English and Scottish wars over the border. The fortifications here, dating back to Elizabethan times are still intact.
Along the coast you pedal to Holy Island. At low tide you can cycle over the causeway to get to the island, which was home to Lindisfarne monastery in the 7th century. Attacks by the Vikings in 793 marked the beginning of the Viking era. If you still have sufficient energy, you can continue south to Bamburgh and its majestic castle. Otherwise return inland.
Following the Tweed upstream, you cycle inland today. En-route, you pass the stately homes, Paxton House and Manderstone House, which are open to visitors. Next, cycle along quiet country roads to the market town of Kelso. With its Georgian buildings and market place built in a French style, it is one of the most attractive places in the area. Visit the nearby ruins of Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle.
The place you're aiming for on today's circular tour is Jedburgh. This little town developed around an Augustinian abbey, whose church was built by a bishop from Lindisfarne. In the 12th century, King David I had a castle erected here. The ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and Jedburgh Castle still mark the townscape. After lunch, cycle back to Kelso. As you have now reached the beginnings of Cheviot.
Today's section is relatively short so you can take your time today. The Tweed winds its way through green countryside, taking you to your destination. The ruins of Dryburgh Abbey are located on a bend in the river. This abbey has burned down several times – the last time in 1544. The heart of King Robert the Bruce is supposed to be buried here in Melrose Abbey.
Just a few kilometres on from Melrose is the historic Abbotsford House, which was built in the 19th century for the writer, Sir Walter Scott, on the south bank of the Tweed. Up and down gentle hills you now cycle to Clovenfords and then on to the village Stow of Wedale, where a pack horse bridge from 1650 spans Gala Water River. Finally you cycle back to Melrose.
After breakfast, your cycle tour in Scotland comes to an end.
Route Overview:
Ride on quiet paths and trails, along the impressive Scottish coast and by the side of the lovely river Tweed. As the route heads west, you will face some slightly hillier terrain. Daily ride distances between 30 - 60 km.
Route map to be used for guidance only
Start/ Finish Location:
Berwick-upon-Tweed / Melrose
Total Distance:
Approx. 210 / 235 km
Daily routes ●●●○○
(between 30 and 60 km)
Altitude profile ●●●○○
This cycling tour is not recommended for children or persons with vastly reduced mobility.
The nearest airport to Berwick- upon-Tweed is Newcastle Airport (NCL), from the airport you can get a train into Berwick-upon-Tweed, with a journey time around 1 hr 40. Alternatively you can fly into Scotland, landing at Edinburgh (EDI). From Edinburgh Airport it is a slightli shorter train journey of 1 hr 20 approx.
INCLUSIONS
Not included is the city or visitor´s tax (if payable)
Pannier, map carrier (1x per room), bike lock, pump, repair kit, bottle carrier
A complete list of accommodation will be communicated to you prior to your tour. The hotels and accommodation on this trip have been selceted for their services, facilities and convenient proximity to the route.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | |
Season 1 | 1 September - 31 September 2021 |
Season 2 | 1 May 2021 - 31 August 2021 |
Double | £620.00/£690.00 |
Single Supplement | £1000.00/ £1070.00 |
Type | |
Rental bike 21-gear | £130.00 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
01 May 2021 | 30 September 2021 |