Borders, Bike, Hike and Explore

Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Matfen Hall

Arrive at Newcastle  airport  today and head to Matfen Hall where you will spend your first two nights. The Hall boasts an impressive history which you may choose to explore or perhaps enjoy the tranquility of the spa. There are 300 acres of heritage parkland at the hall and a wonderful golf course if you feel like teeing off whilst you’re here.

Overnight: Matfen Hall
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - A day of leisure at Matfen Hall

Following a leisurely breakfast, enjoy exploring this hall and estate or perhaps venture into the bustling city of Newcastle where you could explore its rich blend of history and modernity, from the iconic Tyne Bridge and Newcastle Castle to the bustling Quayside lined with contemporary art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, offering a dynamic cultural experience.

Overnight: Matfen Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Head West and explore Hadrian Wall

This morning your guide will collect you from Matfen and head West to explore Hadrians wall. There are numerous hiking options along this world heritage site, perhaps include a visit to the Roman fort of Vindolanda. Occupied for hundreds of years, the ongoing archaeological site of Vindolanda has revealed many fascinating artefacts, including altars, graves and an assortment of everyday objects. Unique written pages about daily life in those ancient times can be seen in Vindolanda’s Roman Army Museum. After lunch we will head over the border and into Dumfries and Galloway where we will find our accommodation for this evening at Gatehouse of Fleet.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Exploring Galloway Gravel

Today will surely be a gravel ride to remember as you head out to pedal part of the Gralloch – a race that takes place deep in the hills of Galloway, which also forms part of the UCI Gravel World Series. Roll out from your hotel and head north, soon ascending Fuffock Hill, the race’s highest point at 922 ft/281 m. Enjoy a brief pause at its summit before descending through the dark, needled trees. This afternoon after a great ride you will  visit Crafty Distillery, which excels in producing award-winning spirits. Small and modern, enjoy a tour and a tasting before heading to the Ayrshire coast and your castle home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Ballantrae | Glenapp Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Glenapp and the Ayrshire Coastal Route

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today soaking up the beautiful interiors and gardens of Glenapp. This morning experience the thrill of axe throwing, honing your skills amidst the stunning backdrop of the Scottish countryside, combining excitement and precision in a fun-filled adventure.

Your guide will take you out this afternoon and whether you feel like hopping on your gravel bike or walking some of the beautiful options in this stunning corner of Ayrshire you’ll be sure to have a wonderful day and have earned your dinner this evening when you return to Glenapp.

Overnight: Ballantrae | Glenapp Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Explore Ayrshire Coastal Route

Today your guide will offer you some options for hikes around this beautiful coastline. We can head out straight from the castle or go a little further where the views from this coastline on a clear day stretch west to the island of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland beyond. It might be worthing taking along binoculars to spot seals or some of the abundant birdlife of this area.

Overnight: Ballantrae | Glenapp Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Head East to explore the Tweed Valley

This morning after your last breakfast in the castle we head East towards the Tweed Valley. Depending on what you feel like doing today there are numerous options from exploring a forest trail by bike, or stopping for a walk in the rolling green hills of the borders. Perhaps stopping off in the picturesque border town of Peebles to explore. The guide will take you to your luxurious countryside estate retreat where you will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Kelso | SCHLOSS Roxburghe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Explore the Northumberland Coastline

Today after breakfast in beautiful surroundings we head to the coast dotted with dramatic cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and ancient castles, offering a wild, untamed beauty perfect for exploration. We can choose to bike or walk and depending on the tide times take a visit to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, this offers a unique journey to a place steeped in history and spirituality. Accessible only by a tidal causeway, this atmospheric island is home to the ancient Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle, where you can explore the rich heritage of early Christianity while taking in breathtaking views of the North Sea. You will return to Schloss feeling rejuvenated and inspired, as the region’s wild beauty, rich history, and expansive landscapes create a sense of peace and wonder.

Overnight: Kelso | SCHLOSS Roxburghe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Floors Castle and back to Matfen Hall

After breakfast today we take a very short journey to Floors Castle here we will get a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Duke of Roxburghe. This enchanting stately home surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens is a wonderful spot to explore. The estate has a couple of lovely short routes that can be explored by foot or bike making the most of your beautiful surroundings. Your guide will then take you back over the border into England and on to Matfen Hall where you will say your farewells and enjoy your final evening in the North East reflecting on a week well spent.

Overnight: Matfen Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Depart at your leisure

After a relaxed breakfast, make your way for your onward travel arrangements.