Inspired by Alasdair Allan’s book, Tweed rins tae the Ocean, Moira and Liz set out to recce a cycle route along the Scotland-England border. Moira writes: “Wearing our MMF tee-shirts, our first hitch was a cancelled train at Carlisle. We had meant to start at Annan, where the land border ends. But we cycled to Longtown instead and set off along the border the next day. The scenery all along the border is breath-taking. So are the hills.
The first full cycling day was through Newcastleton, via the Olive Tree café, up the hill to Bonchester Bridge. The hill is high and fairly steep so the downhills are exhilarating. Too much speed over a rough bit of road resulted in a broken mudguard. No bike shop (no shop of any kind) in Bonchester Bridge, so we asked the garage for help. The kind owner effected a repair with superglue and cable ties. Great meal and sleep at the Horse and Hound Hotel.
Next day was also very hilly but shorter – 30 miles, including a detour to Morebattle where there is a wonderful community shop. The scenery on this leg of the trip was glorious, as was the weather once the wind was behind us. That night we stayed in the little hostel in Kirk Yetholm. It is small and very old but the facilities are great – everything you could need.
Kirk Yetholm to Berwick-upon-Tweed was easy going, again with a following wind. We went through Ladykirk where the kirk is worth a visit. We had been criss-crossing the border, often without signs. The crossings at Coldstream and Norham are at impressive bridges over the Tweed. After Norham, we went to look at the work on the Union Chain Bridge, which is being restored. Then into Berwick along some stretches of busy road but a bike trip can’t be all idyllic.”
All royalties from the book are going to charity. MMF is delighted to be one of those. Alasdair is being very supportive of our Borders22 project, to the extent of cycling one of the border rides with us on 25th June.