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The 4 Abbey's Cycling Tour Borders of Scotland

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The 4 Abbey's Cycling Tour Borders of Scotland

Single / Double

$2249/ $1237

Tour Period

Start Any Day February to November

Tour Nights

4

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Tour description

A three centre self-guided circular cycle tour of the 4 Abbeys route in the Borders of Scotland. Includes; 4 nights bed and breakfast in en-suite (wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, 3 days cycling with luggage transfers, tour details and phone app navigation. Hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bicycle is also included.
This 55 mile circular cycle route of the Scottish Borders passes through some of the key historical sites of this region. This is a well signposted route using mainly quiet minor roads and cycle lanes, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful views of the countryside surrounding the rivers Tweed and Teviot. You will have many opportunities to visit the castles, abbeys and fortified buildings that indicate this area’s turbulent history. Starting and finishing in the market town of Kelso home to its own abbey and the impressive Floors Castle, the route follows the river Teviot to Jedburgh where there is another abbey and castle. Then the route heads back to the river Tweed at Melrose where (you guessed it) there is another abbey where the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried. Finishing with a nice easy day cycling back to Kelso you can visit any of the attractions you missed on day one.

Sample schedule

START and FINISH : Kelso in the Borders of Scotland.

4 nights cycling the 4 Abbeys route in the borders of Scotland. The front of Kelso Abbey 4 nights cycling the 4 Abbeys route in the borders of Scotland. The back of Kelso Abbey

 

ARRIVAL DAY: Kelso. Your 1st and final nights’ accommodation is in the market town of Kelso with its many tourist attractions, including an abbey and Floors Castle. Situated on the banks of the River Tweed and the world famous ‘Junction Pool’, it is regarded as having the best salmon fishing in Europe. There are many places to eat in the town centre from fish and chip shops and traditional pubs to luxury restaurants. Overnight: Kelso, Scotland.

4 nights Cycling the 4 Abbeys route in the borders of Scotland. Riding through beautiful countryside

 

DAY ONE: Kelso to Jedburgh. Distance approx. 20 miles (33 km). After breakfast you will begin the ride out of Kelso on this well signposted route that is littered with historical buildings. Set at a nice easy pace it gives you plenty of time to take in the sites as you ride through the beautiful Borderland countryside. About half way is Teviot Water Gardens and Smokery where there is a café, ideal for lunch before continuing on to Jedburgh. There is an abbey and castle here too and plenty of choices for your evening meal. Overnight: Jedburgh, Scotland.

DAY TWO: Jedburgh to Melrose. Distance approx. 19 miles (30 km). A beautiful section today takes you along wooded country lanes and up to the highest point of the route at 252 meters, providing fantastic views over the area. Quite remote on the second half of today’s ride there is the opportunity for refreshments at Harestanes Visitor Centre or take a packed lunch with you and have a picnic. At Melrose there is of course another abbey and Abbotsford House, former home of Sir Walter Scott. Overnight: Melrose, Scotland.

4 nights cycling the 4 Abbeys route in the borders of Scotland. Melrose Abbey

 

DAY THREE: Melrose to Kelso. Distance approx. 15 miles (25 km). This is a very short and easy ride today to give you plenty of time to visit Dryburgh Abbey, Floors Castle and many other places of interest on route. There is a choice of route to Dryburgh, both providing great view points and historical sites to visit. One starts with a traffic free section to St Boswell and the other follows the Tweed cycle route passing Scott’s View. Both routes meet near Dryburgh to provide an opportunity for refreshments or lunch. The route then follows the river Tweed to Kelso passing Floors Castle, allowing you time to visit (if you didn’t have time on your arrival day). Check out the many restaurants and pubs for your evening meal.  Overnight: Kelso, Scotland.

Travel Description

RAIL TRAVEL from LONDON to BERWICK (NOT included in tour price): There is a half hourly train service from London (Kings Cross) to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The nearest international airport is Glasgow, just one-hour away.

RAIL TRAVEL from BERWICK-UPON-TWEED to EDINBURGH (included in tour price): There is a half hourly train service from Berwick upon Tweed to Edinburgh.

ARRIVING and DEPARTING by EUROLINES or NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH: This is by far the cheapest option for long-distance travel in England, Scotland, and Wales. There are very convenient buses from each major airport. National Express carries over 16 million passengers to 1000 different places in the UK every year, and thousands more from destinations across Europe and Ireland. You can purchase an e-Ticket where you print your travel ticket online in a matter of minutes OR you can obtain an m-Ticket and have your travel ticket sent to your mobile phone - no paper ticket required. You then present this to the driver on arrival.

ARRIVING BY CAR: Please ask for details.

Tour Start Location

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If you want to book this cycling tour, or chat about an altered schedule, please use the 'Enquire Now' tab above or contact us on richard@xplorebritain.com

Related Categories
Tour Code:

LG04

Grade

D+

Grade Description

GRADE D+ cycling: Between 15 - 20 miles (25 - 33kms) a day. The route is principally undulating with one or two short steep hills. We recommend that clients bring their own bicycle and equipment. We can arrange for the hire of this, if required. The cost would be about £50. You will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.

[open quote]

Hi Richard, I wanted to thank you for the map and information that was awaiting my arrival in Chipping Campden. The map was well used....I didn't make too many wrong turns! I throughly enjoyed myself and was very lucky with the weather, it was very chilly and quite hilly! The accommodation was great in both places. Everyone was most helpful. The bike was also very comfy. I would use your company again and will recommend it to my friends. Thanks, Susan. Sent from my iPhone

[close quote]
Susan Davey
Cycle the Cotswold's