Virginia Odysseys - Scotland - Bike the Borders

Scotland - Bike the Borders

In 2009 Scotland will host its first ever Homecoming year which has been created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. This will be a special year for Scots, those of Scotch ancestry, and all those who love Scotland - a year to "come home." What is the best way to participate in this countrywide celebration? By bike, of course! In the guidebook Scotland the Best, the Borders is ranked as the #1 place to bike in Scotland. You will bike by ancient abbeys, castles, baronial mansions, gently flowing rivers, and picturesque villages starting in western Scotland and ending in England at the North Sea. The Borders include the four shires of Peebles, Berwick, Selkirk, and Roxburgh in Scotland, plus Northumberland in England. Insight Guides says "It [The Borders] is one of Europe’s last unspoilt areas." One morning we’ll put on our walking shoes and hike the Four Abbeys Way as we make a 21st Century pilgrimage to Jedburgh Abbey. The Borders is a perfect gateway to explore the Scottish Highlands or the English Lake District before or after the bike tour.

Tour Name	Scotland – Bike the Borders
Tour Length	8 Days, 7 Nights
Start & End	Peebles, Scotland to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, England
Activity Level	Moderate
Daily Mileage	Options from 20-50
Bicycle Rental	Yes
Off-the-Bike	Hiking, Educational and Historical Presentations, Architectural and Cultural Tours, Musical Entertainment, Scotch Malt Whisky Tasting
Price	$2,095 $200 single occupancy supplement
2009	July 17 – 23
Detailed Information [PDF]

Highlights

Day 1 | Loop trip out of Peebles

Park Hotel
Meet at 11:00 AM at the Park Hotel and fit our bikes. Leisurely pedal to Traquair House for a visit and lunch. Walk along the banks of the River Tweed to 14th Century Neidpath Castle.

Day 2 | Bike from Peebles to Selkirk

Burts Hotel
Cycle the remote countryside along the River Tweed to magnificent St Mary’s Loch. Lunch at Tibbie Shiels Inn. Option to tackle a challenging course through the hills. Visit Bowhill House. A 30 minute afternoon shuttle to Melrose, our hometown for the night.

Day 3 | Melrose to Bonchester Bridge

Billerwell Farm
Bike quiet farm roads past small hamlets. Tasting at award winning Cheesery. Surprise event in Hawick. Evening celebration with Scottish music and dancing.

Day 4 | Bonchester Bridge Layover Day

Billerwell Farm
Morning service in historic church. Explore the peaceful country roads of the Teviot and Rule River valleys. Visit Jedburgh Abbey and Monteviot House Gardens. Private picnic at the Turnbull Castle ruins.

Day 5 | Bonchester Bridge to Jedburgh (hike); Jedburgh to Kelso (bike)

Inglestone B&B
Morning walk across the wee hill to Jedburgh Abbey. Bike through Sir Walter Scott country to Dryburgh Abbey, the William Wallace statue, Smailholm Tower, and Floors Castle. Enjoy tea overlooking the River Tweed.

Day 6 | Kelso Layover Day

Inglestone B&B
Your day to do as you choose - leisurely explore Kelso, take a long trek along the River Tweed, or a bike outing to Manderston Manor House to experience "upstairs, downstairs" Edwardian life.

Day 7 | Kelso to Cornhill-on-Tweed

Tilmouth Park Hotel
Ride through picturesque villages. Stunning views of the Cheviot Hills. Visit Flodden Battlefield (1513 AD), Etal Castle, and Ford Castle.

Day 8 | Cornhill-on-Tweed to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Coast downhill to the North Sea Coast. Explore Holy Island. Magnificent ride along the coastline to walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Stay in Berwick overnight or transfer to Edinburgh.

Accommodations

Park Hotel | Peebles
The Park Hotel is a small, intimate 3-star hotel set in a garden setting amidst the Peebleshire Hills. It has been a traditional gathering spot in the Borders for years.

Burts Hotel | Melrose
This 18th century hotel in the heart of Melrose’s picturesque market square has been lovingly restored and retains its charm. A local favorite, Scotland, the Best writes “the dining room is where to eat in this part of the Borders.

Billerwell Farm | Bonchester Bridge
This authentic Scottish country farmhouse delights with luxurious, en-suite bedrooms, and a dining room with a panoramic view towards the wildlife pond, hills and river. Enjoy the garden and peace and serenity of the valley.

Horse and Hounds | Bonchester Bridge
The Horse and Hound is a traditional Coaching Inn, open since 1701. It has oak beams, a great central stone fireplace, and loads of atmosphere crammed with antiques, art objects, pictures and prints.

Inglestone B&B | Kelso
This handsome family-run B&B retains its Victorian character, but is thoroughly refurbished. Smack in the middle of "The Romantic Town" of Kelso and adjacent to the Kelso Abbey, it is a perfect home for two nights.

Tillmouth Park | Cornhill-on-Tweed
The baronial Tillmouth Park Hotel is one of the region's best kept secrets. Surrounded with landscaped grounds and natural woodland, the romance is highlighted by the warm welcome and timeless elegance in the rooms.

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