HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
BORDERS ABBEYS WAY - SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY What better way to experience this less trodden area of the Scottish Borders than on foot. This wonderful 68 mile circular walk passes through the four great Abbeys from the 12th Century - Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso. Although only ruins today, a wealth of history dates back to the time when King David I reigned. Fabulous walking along wooded riverbanks, forest paths and through rich green farmland make this walk one to remember.
Starting your adventure in the borders town of Jedburgh, take time to visit the Medieval Abbey before setting off in a clockwise direction down to Denholm and following the riverbanks of the Teviot to Hawick, the largest of the borders towns. After shopping for some of their famous knitwear, continue on up through woodland and old tracks to Selkirk where you can find impressive views over the Liddlesdale Hills. Melrose follows with its pretty market square and impressive Abbey, then walking into St Boswells you will experience wonderful views over the Eidon Hills. Further on you can watch the impressive salmon jump where the River Teviot meets the River Tweed, just past Kelso. The last stretch of the walk back to Jedburgh follows the Teviot most of the way, making it a lovely end to a wonderful walk through the Tour: Borders Abbey Way borders. Code: WSSBAW1-3 Every holiday we offer features hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, country inns, Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: See Website and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers the highest levels of welcome, atmosphere and outstanding Single Supplement: See Website local cuisine. We also include daily door to door baggage transfers, a guide book with maps and pre- Dates: March—October departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it. Walking Days: 5—7 Nights: 6—8 HIGHLIGHTS Start: Jedburgh Finish: Jedburgh Distance: 68 Miles Wandering along wooded riverbanks and watching out for wildlife. An abundance of religious and local history. IS IT FOR ME? Quiet paths and generally easy walking. If you are looking for an inspiring walk Melrose with its impressive Abbey and quaint market square. brimming with Scottish History then this is the The romantic setting and architecture of Dryburgh Abbey. walk for you. Quiet trails and breathtaking scenery make this one to remember. WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs WHAT’S INCLUDED? Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, Self guided walking holidays are a wonderful relaxed way to discover the magic of the Borders Abbeys small hotels, country inns and guest- Way. Free to travel at your own pace and wander off the beaten track, you will discover the beauty of the houses. landscape, the warmth of the people and the long history of this spectacular land. We will supply you with Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always a guide book and a pre-departure information pack to guide you every step of the way so there is no need available at accommodation or nearby. for a guide. Your baggage will be collected and moved onto your next accommodation so that you are free Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door to walk each day with just a daypack. In the unlikely event you should require emergency support our baggage transfer. office is always more than happy to help with your queries. So, from the moment you decide to visit the Information Pack: Guide Book and info Scottish Borders you can relax and look forward to an unforgettable self-guided walking holiday. We hope pack. that you will choose to travel with Macs Adventure soon. BORDERS ABBEYS WAY
HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
BORDERS ABBEYS WAY Stage 3: Selkirk to Melrose At 68 miles the Borders Abbeys Way fits As you head out of Selkirk, it’s not long before WSSBAW1—5 DAYS & 6 NIGHTS perfectly into a relaxed week of walking between you cross Selkirk Hill which is a haven for wildlife the towns and villages of the rural Scottish and flowers. Orchids, mountain pansies and Walking Itineraries: Borders. harebell can all be spotted in the summer Description: This is the original itinerary from months. The path gradually rises through the guidebook and splits each of the five sections farmlands and drove roads to Cauldshields Loch DETAILED DESCRIPTION into manageable walking distances. It combines where you can get fantastic views over the some long days with some short ones, the Eildon Hills. Abbotsford House, where Sir Walter section from Melrose to Kelso is long but is Arrive Jedburgh Scot used to live in the 1800’s is worth a visit on relatively flat and easy underfoot. this section of the walk. From here the route You can reach Jedburgh easily from either follows the south bank of the river into Melrose. Walking Days: 5 Edinburgh or Newcastle. There are frequent Nights: 6 buses from Edinburgh (approx 2 hrs) and Stage 4: Melrose to Kelso Average Daily Distance: 13.5 miles Newcastle (approx 1hr 30 mins). Arrive early and visit the medieval Jedburgh Abbey with its Melrose is steeped in history with its impressive Grade: Moderate stunning setting overlooking the Jed water. Abbey ruins and the river tweed running through, famous for its salmon fishing. This section of walking is fairly tough at 18 miles but can be split Stage 1: Jedburgh to Hawick Day Route Miles into two days with a stop in St Boswells. This will A steep climb out of Jedburgh town soon leads give you time to take in the sights and the ruins into open fields where rich country side walking 1 Arrive Jedburgh 0 of Dryburgh Abbey. St Cuthbert’s Way markers prevails. The walking is very varied, primarily 2 Walk to Hawick 14.5 will be noticeable as this follows the first section through farmland with another steep section up 3 Walk to Selkirk 12 of this long distance walk. The walking is the side of Merlin Wood into Black Law, the 4 Walk to Melrose 10 relatively flat and on easy terrain but a long day if highest section of the walk. The village of 5 Walk to Kelso 18 you are walking the full 18 miles. Denholm makes for a great stop on this first 6 Walk to Jedburgh 13.5 section of the walk. Stage 5: Kelso to Jedburgh Stage 2: Hawick to Selkirk The final section of the walk is fairly flat and Total Distance 68 easy, following the river Teviot most of the way to After visiting Hawick, the largest town in the Jedburgh. There is one climb towards the end of borders, the walk continues to Selkirk starting off the section along the Roman Road (Dere Street) with a steady climb up the side of Drinkstone Hill. and then a gradual descent follows into Forest walking follows then the route drops down Jedburgh. The majestic abbey ruins are a to the valley of the Ale Water. You then follow welcome sight as you finish this wonderful the old ‘thief’ road to Wollrig and eventually you circular walking holiday through the borders reach the highest point at Hartwoodmyres towns. Forest . As you enter Selkirk at the West Port, take time to explore this Ancient and Royal Burgh.
BORDERS ABBEYS WAY
HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
WSSBAW2—6 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS WSSBAW3—7 DAYS & 8 NIGHTS HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Description: This is our most popular itinerary. Description: This itinerary breaks the walk down Additional Nights It splits the long section from Melrose into Kelso even more into easy manageable sections. It Many of our clients choose to add extra nights with a stop in St Boswells. This will give you gives you enough time to explore the many along the walk to sample more of the wonderful more time to visit Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey abbeys and points of interest along the way. walking and attractions available on the Borders and possibly climb through the Eildon Hills if you Walking Days: 7 Abbey Way. Melrose is a great place to have an are feeling fit! Nights: 8 extra overnight stay as there is so much to see Walking Days: 6 Average Daily Distance: 8.5 miles and do in the town and surrounding area. Nights: 7 Grade: Easy to Moderate Average Daily Distance: 11.5 miles Grade: Moderate Fewer Nights Day Route Miles If you wish to reduce the number of nights we can tailor your trip to your requirements. Day Route Miles 1 Arrive Jedburgh 0 2 Walk to Denholm 8.5 1 Arrive Jedburgh 0 3 Walk to Hawick 6 Accommodation 2 Walk to Hawick 14.5 4 Walk to Selkirk 12 3 Walk to Selkirk 12 5 Walk to Melrose 10 One of the highlights of this tour is the high 4 Walk to Melrose 10 6 Walk to St Boswells 8 standard of the accommodation. We specifically 5 Walk to St Boswells 8 7 Walk to Kelso 10 choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s 6 Walk to Kelso 10 8 Walk to Jedburgh 13.5 to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your 7 Walk to Jedburgh 13.5 stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, Total Distance 68 traditional hospitality and delicious local food. Total Distance 68
Navigation Single Rooms This holiday is graded moderate and is suitable This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers at a supplement to cover the for most regular walkers. The exact grade does additional costs we incur. depend on the itinerary you choose and it is
always better to do too little than too much each day. Most walkers can expect to average about 2 Meals miles per hour so you can quickly work out how long you can expect to walk each day. The path A hearty breakfast is included each morning. is well waymarked throughout with an AW Lunch and dinner are not included so you are symbol denoting ’Abbey Way’. free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to
Walking Direction provide a packed lunch on request and this can
be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at The route can only be walked in a clockwise your accommodation or nearby pubs or direction due to baggage transfer restrictions. restaurants.
BORDERS ABBEYS WAY
HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Baggage Transfer Travel Insurance PRICE & AVAILABILITY Your bags will be transferred from your We strongly recommend taking out travel accommodation as per your itinerary and moved insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of onto your next overnight accommodation. We your holiday. Availability ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to This walking holiday is best enjoyed between 15kg per person and have them ready for MACS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM March and October. You can start on any date collection at 9am each morning. that suits your travel plans and you will find up to Equipment date availability on our website. The Borders Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit Abbey Way is popular so it is best to book as far Your information pack has a detailed equipment Our operating policies, office policies, holidays in advance as you are able to. list which includes standard walking gear such as and tours are all designed to minimise impact Price good walking boots or shoes, warm and and maximise benefit to the environment and waterproof clothes and a day pack. This will be local communities. Detailed up to date prices for all our Borders emailed to you after you book the walk. Abbey Way Holidays are available on our Action & Advocacy Dogs website here... We believe that by engaging our team and Included Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate clients in environmental and community projects walkers with dogs as many of the we can make a real difference. Hand picked bed and breakfast accommodation providers do not accept pets. accommodation in en-suite rooms wherever Carbon & Communities possible. TRAVEL INFORMATION Travel and our business activity does of course Door to door baggage transfer. contribute to carbon output and climate change. A detailed info pack, guide book with maps for We have put several policies in place to minimise the group leader. Getting to Jedburgh our carbon footprint. Emergency telephone support from our office You can reach Jedburgh easily from either in the event of a problem. Sensitive & Sustainable Edinburgh or Newcastle. There are frequent buses from Edinburgh (approx 2 hrs) and Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that Excluded Newcastle (approx 1hr 30 mins). The best point our holidays are sensitive to the community you of reference for travel details is the travel line are visiting and sustainable over the long term Travel to the start or from the finish of the website. www.traveline.org.uk walk. Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. If you are travelling by air then the closest CUSTOMER REVIEWS airports are Newcastle and Edinburgh, Jedburgh Travel Insurance. doesn't have a train station so you will need to Personal Equipment. We are justifiably proud of our reputation for catch a bus here. outstanding holidays on the Borders Abbeys Taxi transfers or public transport should you There is parking available in Jedburgh, the Way. You can read numerous customer reviews need to skip a stage. Canongate car park has just been extended and on our website to get a good idea of what to provides free long stay parking for cars. There is expect from Macs Adventure on the Borders another car park which is by the Abbey called the Abbeys Way. Glebe car park and offers free parking aswell.
Some of the B&B’s we use in Jedburgh also have parking available.
BORDERS ABBEYS WAY
HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
HOW TO BOOK This Insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and Once you have read all the information in this underwritten by Insurers who are members of the factsheet or on our website and decided on your Association of British Insurers & Lloyds preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a Syndicates. call to confirm availability. You can then book by any of the following methods: ABTA Member Statement
Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 ABTA and ABTA members help Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, and assist when things don’t go according to Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard 527 5688 of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on For more information on ABTA, the Code of +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to [email protected] if you have any you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 queries and one of our expert customer service Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 team will be happy to help. 0581
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Financial Security In In accordance with "The Package Travel, TESTIMONIALS Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992" all passengers booking with “Keith and I would like to say thank Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the you for such great organisation and initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all flair. Our walk went well and to plan, monies paid to us, including repatriation if with excellent accommodation, which required (this insurance will not cover repatriation you organised. The variety was to the country of origin for the passengers perfect, with its mix of small B&Bs, outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or pubs, farm stays etc. The distances curtailment of your travel arrangements due to each day were just right for us and the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd didn’t stretch us overly, yet gave us There is no requirement for Financial Protection time to look around and absorb the of day trips, and none is provided. This history and scenery we were passing insurance is only valid for packages booked that through.” – Miggs and Keith Coggan DO NOT include flights.
Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk