My husband and I will be traveling to the Scottish Borderlands in late August and staying 2 nights. I am not sure the best place to base ourselves and looking for some suggestion. I want to be flexible to go either direction, East toward Bamburgh or west toward Ayr, or maybe a trip to each area on separate days. We like to stay in or close to quaint towns with smaller populations (1,500- 15,000) with some traditional music, pubs and shopping is a bonus. We also like country house stays that town isn't too far away. Some horseback riding or hiking nearby would be great too.
Thank you!
Posted by
Yorkshire
1359 posts
Your time might coincidence with the Ridings festivals in one of the Borders towns.
I would go east to west as thats where the scenery is most impressive .
The Buddist Temple at Eskdalemuir is worth a call.
Theres also s small stone circle on the western edge of the village ,3 mins walk from the road
Wanlochhead is a notable place and the pass back down pretty impressive .
I stayed in St.Johns Town of Dalry while walking the Southern Upland Way the village pub has very good reviews.
Kelso town square is notably pretty a place .
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7206 posts
The two times we were in that area we stayed in Peebles. It’s only an hour from Edinburgh. The borders abbeys (Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh, Kelso) are pretty close. Bamburgh castle is a two hours drive and Holy Island is a little closer. If going to Holy Island check the tide tables. We also toured Lochcarron of Scotland woolen mill in Selkirk. Ayr is about a two hours drive in the other direction. We had a rental car.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8134 posts
The Scottish Borders (rather than the Borderlands) are not that well placed for seeing Bamburgh- in Northumberland, England) and the wrong side of the country entirely for Ayr. There is no hugely obvious route, but I suppose via Biggar and Lanark is the best way.
Key to this is where you are coming from beforehand and where you are going to afterwards.
Also I assume you are going to Ayr for Rabbie Burns.
With only 2 nights I would confine myself to the Borders proper. That is a very short time in the area.
I think you are too late for one of the Common Ridings- the last of those seems to be Coldstream in early August. That would have been an equestrian's dream to watch.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you for all your input!
We will coming from the south, Grasmere, and heading north to Loch Lomond.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8134 posts
So in that case go to Bamburgh on the way from Grasmere. It should be about 3 hours, up to Keswick Chestnut Hill, then the A66, M6, A69, Newcastle northern bypass, A1.
Then to one of the Borders Towns for the two nights.
Then on the way to Loch Lomond the 2 hour drive to Ayr. After Ayr the A77 (a good, fast road) and the Erskine Bridge to Loch Lomond- 90 minute drive.
That way you have your Two days to explore the Borders, efficient use of time.
So we can now plan the Borders part on that basis.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8134 posts
I am thinking about this, but I would suggest four towns for you to think about and research for your stay in the Borders-
Selkirk, Melrose, Jedburgh and Kelso.
All seem to me to meet your wish list, all are within 90 minutes or so drive of Bamburgh.
And they are all within an easy drive of each other for the day (s) you are there. It really I think comes down to your choice. For me, and bearing in mind your onward journey to Ayr, I might lean towards Selkirk, but would be quite happy in any of the others.
There is a 2nd question then on the route to Ayr. For scenery I would choose the A708 route over the Grey Mare's Tail to Moffat, an hour or so there, then up the M74 to junction 12 and then the A70 to Ayr.
But there is a good case to be made for the A72 to Lanark (via Biggar- another great place for a stop to look around), time at Lanark and New Lanark (look them up) then the A70 to Ayr
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Fantastic, those are great suggestions! Thank you, I
will research those areas:)