The Scottish Borders

What sort of weather can I expect?

Meteorological records for the area, taken over a period of more than 10 years, are represented in the Weather Chart provided with each itinerary.

Daily weather in Scotland is extremely variable. ‘If you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes….’

The Scottish climate is probably best defined as unpredictable – you can have a glorious week of sunshine in May, and overcast drizzle in August, so the only way to be sure not to get wet or cold is to come prepared for all eventualities no matter what
time of year.  You have the best chance of clear weather in May, June and September. However, there is always a chance of rain and wind…. Do bring waterproofs and layered clothing, whatever
month you visit. Summer months are generally warm and mild (19°C), and days are long with extended twilight - but you will still need a jumper in the evenings! After mid-August there is a noticeable change in the climate.

What sort of walking can I expect?

The 8-day tour offers 6 days of walking; the 5-day tour offers 3. The length of walks varies from 5 to 6 hours daily. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual do not include rest breaks, lunch or sightseeing. On certain days the walk takes you into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Sturdy walking boots are recommended as are trekking poles.

The fitness level of this tour is Grade 3 .  The walking in Scotland is diverse, and includes riverside and hillside paths; moorland; farm, forest and woodland paths. There are some ascents and descents, and some stony sections, but the walking is not technically challenging. In dry weather, the paths are generally ideal for walking. In wet weather, they can become muddy, and in parts slippery.

It is advisable to bring a compass (and/or handheld GPS) for moorland or higher sections where the path/route may otherwise be extremely vague when visibility is limited by cloud/fog or rain. If you have any concerns over any parts of the route you should discuss them with your Route Manager at the beginning of your holiday.

What if I don't want to walk?

You don’t have to! You can get a lift with the Route Manager to the next hotel when your bags are moved on, or we can arrange taxis and advise you of local transport options to facilitate shortening the walks.

How do I get to the start of the route?

TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND

The recommended destination airport for this walking holiday in Scotland is Edinburgh, which is located 13km west of the city centre. For more information visit: www.edinburghairport.com

There are also regular train services from London Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed (3.5 hours), with onward bus connections. 

TRAVEL TO THE FIRST HOTEL

It is very easy to reach this route via public transport!

From Edinburgh to Kelso (8-day route):

From Edinburgh Airport (an extremely busy terminal)

An airport bus offers an easy journey into the city centre (Waverley Station) - approx. 40 mins. From here there are regular trains along one of the five scenic railway routes in Scotland to Tweedbank, from where a taxi can be arranged in advance by the Route Manager.  Trains run every 30 mins, journey time 50 mins. The return rail ticket costs £12.10 and a combined airport bus/train ticket can be purchased at Edinburgh Airport for £19.30 – journey time under 2 hours. A taxi from Tweedbank will cost approx. £40 to your first hotel and take less than 30 minutes.

By taxi: Taxis from the airport, Waverley Station or anywhere else in Edinburgh can easily be booked online via www.citycabs.co.uk, which is the official taxi service provider for Edinburgh airport. You can either book in advance online or via phone, or you can simply call them when you land. A journey to Kelso will take around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, cost around £170.00.

By train: From Waverley station catch the Borders train to Tweedbank along the Waverley route (50 mins, £12.10).  The Route Manager can arrange a taxi from Tweedbank to your first hotel (30 mins, £40). From Tweedbank there are also regular onward bus connections to Kelso (~£6, 45 mins). A combined return ticket purchased from machines in the airport terminal building reduces costs significantly.

By bus: From the Edinburgh Bus and Coach Station in the city centre [2 blocks east of Waverley Bridge and Station] bus No. 51/52 runs to Kelso every 2-3 hours Mon-Sat, and 3 times on Sundays (journey time 2 hours). For up-to-date information see  www.bordersbuses.co.uk.From Edinburgh to Jedburgh (5-day route):

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes and footwear you find most comfortable for everyday wear, and a change or two for the evenings – smart/casual.
Some trips include quite distinguished hotels and restaurants, for which you may wish to ‘dress up’ in the evening, however on Independent trips you have more flexibility in determining how casual you wish to be. For walking we recommend lightweight walking boots with firm ankle support (make sure you wear them in before the trip!), a small daypack for your lightweight waterproof clothing, camera, fleece etc. An increasing number of people bring telescopic walking poles. For a comprehensive packing list click here: what to bring

What sort of food can I expect?

Scottish cuisine may find it hard to compete with its European partners, but the quality of home produce is outstanding, particularly the meat, game, fish and shellfish. With its gently rolling hills, wooded valleys, lush pastures, rivers and coastline the Scottish Borders is home to a wealth of local produce, which you will find proudly listed in the restaurant menus en route. The Rivers Tweed and Teviot provide an abundance of salmon and trout, or you can try smoked eel from the local smokery in Kelso.
Lobsters caught off the east coast are also exported to Europe, otherwise you can expect to eat fresh crab, scallops and langoustine. Meat dishes include Borders lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef and a good variety of game including venison from further north. You will find local cheeses both hard and soft.

You will of course come across haggis which is made from spiced liver, offal, oatmeal and onion, and cooked inside a bag made from sheep’s stomach –you will either love it or loathe it! Look out for stovies, a mixture of mashed potato, gravy and onion, often eaten as a hot snack at lunchtime.

And to drink...

Pub (n.) tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms: often provides light meals.

Those who are not familiar with Scottish – indeed British - culture may find pub culture somewhat baffling. But if you want to see what real life in Britain is all about, you must go to the pub. Over three-quarters of the adult population go to pubs, and over a third are ‘regulars’, visiting the pub at least once a week. It’s worth buying a decent pub guide to help you avoid the ‘tourist’ or ‘chain’ pubs in larger cities, and to seek out the gems. You
will be rewarded with an insight into what the locals are really like, particularly in smaller towns where the pub may be one of the few (or only) social reference points. And with any luck, you’ll also get a decent pint of beer, brewed locally in some cases.
Any visit to Scotland is incomplete without whiling away a few hours people-watching (or talking with them) in at least a handful of traditional pubs. And if you are at all interested in the local tipple, you will be doubly rewarded.

Whisky

The water of life, “uisge beatha” in Gaelic, comes in a vast
variety of forms from the simplest blend to most complex single malt. Of the eighty malt distilleries in Scotland the vast majority are in the Highlands and the Western Isles. Only two remain in the Lowlands, Glenkinchie and Auchentoshan, both of which you can visit. Any decent pub and specialist shop will stock a fine selection, be they heavily peated Islay malts, floral Speyside whiskies or the more delicate versions from the Lowlands. If you extend your trip to Edinburgh look out for Royal Mile Whiskies,
and the Whisky Heritage Centre, by the Castle, gives you an interactive tour round a distillery.

Breakfast

Be prepared for a large Scottish breakfast! This can include an array of cereals, porridge, kippers, bacon and eggs, black pudding (blood sausage), and potato scones. And of course, toast and marmalade to finish off. Should keep you going until lunchtime!

Lunch

The ATG Route Booklets and our ‘Sustainable Shopping Guides’ are filled with information about markets and shops in which to buy your lunch. From seasonal fruits, local cheeses, cured hams and freshly baked breads, you are limited only by what you can carry in your pack!

Dinner

On some routes, usually where there is no other
restaurant within walking distance, half-board accommodation is included (see ‘what is included’ for this trip). In other areas where there is a selection of restaurants, ATG includes a list of recommendations in your ATG Route Booklet. Some restaurants are recommended because they have provided meals that have been regularly enjoyed by ATG clients; other restaurants are renowned internationally (e.g., within the Guide Michelin).

Restaurant bookings

Your Route Manager will be delighted to book restaurants for you if required, ensuring the places you eat at are...

•Your first choice

•The highest standard

• The best value

...and you are not disappointed by finding the restaurant full.

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our routes due to the wide variety of shops and restaurants available. Your Route Manager will provide you with advice and recommendations at your briefing.

What should I bring to wear in the evenings?

The dress code for the Scottish Borders tends to be relaxed - 'clean and neat, casual' attire for restaurants is the guide. There is no need to bring a jacket & tie/ or dress unless you plan to visit a decidedly smart restaurant.

Do the hotels have WIFI, hair dryers, laundry service?

All have WIFI and hair dryers; 3 offer a laundry service.

How much should I budget for items not included?

You can get an idea of transport costs in the ‘getting there’ section of
the trip page. For lunches, costs will depend on whether you choose to buy picnic items or eat in bars/restaurants. Dinners: some are included (see ‘what’s included’). For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. Entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs will vary considerably depending on how much you want to see and how old you are (!). Over 60s enjoy significantly reduced prices at many attractions, so it is worth carrying (safely) some form of identification showing your age. Other costs are items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to limit your walking with public transport or taxis.

What if I want to extend my trip?

We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.

Where can I find general FAQs?

For FAQs relating to the Company and general trip questions, click here