Historic Scottish Borders by Road Bike

Today you arrive to Berwick upon Tweed the border town on the coast and on the River Tweed. You reach Berwick easily by train from the north from Newcastle or Edinburgh. We stay close to the train station so not far to walk once you arrive.

Today’s ride takes you down the coast southwards to Holy Island. Tide permitting you can cycle across the causeway to Lindisfarne. This route was taken by St Cuthbert in the 6th century.  After your visit, you ride further south to Bamburgh Castle.  Now you cycle inland and northwards back to Berwick. When back you could explore the ancient town of Berwick.

Today’s ride first takes you north to the pretty seaside village of Eyemouth. Enjoy a coffee before heading inland on the edge of hills towards Kelso. Now you follow the country lanes westwards to Kelso passing Duns where you can visit the Jim Clark Museum, Jim Clark was a famous rally driver and once per year there is a weekend Rally which takes place in the area.  You can visit Kelso Abbey or take a short ride outside Kelso and visit Floors castle.

Today you follow the route to Jedburgh to visit its ancient Abbey and Museums. Today you first head west again before climbing to Kirk Yetholm. Here you will climb over the Cheviot Hills towards Jedburgh to just over 300m. After your visit to Jedburgh and maybe a spot of lunch in a nice cafe or pub you head east again back to Kelso.  If you did not have time yesterday you can visit Floors Castle.

If you missed a visit to Floors Castle you can make a visit today before setting off. You shall cycle north towards lauder where you can take a visit to Thirlestane Castle and a spot of lunch. The castle was built in the 16th century although there was a border fort present in the 14th century. It is the family home of the Duke of Lauderdale.  After your visit, you climb up over to Stow before southwards again to the River Tweed Valley and to Melrose. You pass Abbotsford House just before Melrose, this is the home of Sir Walter Scott the famous Scottish writer

Today you experience the wonderful remote border hills, long and gentle climbs. First, you cycle upstream of the Tweed to Innerleithen where you can visit Traquair House or take a coffee stop. Traquair house is claimed to be the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. It has been built very much in the style of a fortified mansion house. It was built originally as a hunting location for Scottish kings in the 12th century and has been in the ownership of Kings, Earls and Dukes since then.  Now you start the two gentle climbs southwards crossing the Yarrow Valley, each around 5km long. Now you are in the Ettrick valley where you cycle downstream towards Selkirk and onto Melrose.

On departure, you can either catch the local bus back to Berwick to pick up your car or by train south to Newcastle. If you wish to return or visit Edinburgh there is a train (line opened in 2015 by the Queen) direct from Melrose to Edinburgh, it is a very picturesque journey as well.