DAY 1  We meet in Edinburgh. After introductions and a briefing we will set out for possibly the finest city hike anywhere in the world - Arthur's Seat.  This former Royal hunting ground for the Kings and Queens of Scotland rewards us with one of the the most evocative views in Europe.  The eye weeps from the ancient skyline of kirks and castles of this old city to the wind swept North Sea and the distant hills of the Kingdom of Fife.

Later we will drive south through the Borders to picnic at Traquair, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle . We will explore the castle and gardens before going on to settle into our very comfortable accommodations in Melrose, home of Rugby and Sir Walter Scott.  Distance hiked today is 5 miles with 700 feet of ascent.

DAY 2  This will be a day of hiking and exploration. From our doorstep we will hike the Eildon Hills, discover our first Roman Fort and have glorious views for our picnic. Later, we shall hike down through the woods to enchanting Melrose Abbey where lies the heart of Scotland’s great patriot King Robert the Bruce. We will have the opportunity to explore the Abbey and the beautiful grounds and gardens. The second night will see us enjoy the same lovely accommodations in Melrose.  Distance hiked is 6 miles with 1,100 feet of ascent.

DAY 3  Most visitors to Scotland immediately journey north to the Highlands which is rather sad as they remain unaware of the enchanting beauty of the border Country.  These great hills were home to the cattle drovers who later emigrated to America and became cowboys.  They exchanged their dogs for horses and rode into the west to open the Chisholm Trail and drive Texas Longhorns.  These hills are a bisected by hidden glens where castles and keeps (fortified towers) were home to wild border clans.  Our hike will take us from Peebles over the hills to the east over heather clad moors and babbling brooks and always with stories to tell as we hike the land of Robbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott, the Armstrong's and the Percy's.  Distance hiked is 12 miles with 2,000 feet of ascent.  We return to our home in Melrose.

DAY 4  The morning will be spent in the beautiful grounds and house of Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. Following a pub lunch we will visit the house where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner and hike 4 miles to one of our favorite views – the Borders from the top of Smailholm Keep, an ancient stronghold.  Fourth night in Melrose.  Distance hiked is 4 miles with 400 feet of ascent.

DAY 5  We pack our bags and depart for England and Hadrian’s Wall.  En route we shall hike to a summit that is home to a monument to commemorate those who died at the battle of Waterloo from where a panorama of the borders opens out before us.  We continue our journey to the pretty village of Haltwhistle where our guest house with it's award winning garden is just 2 miles from the Wall itself - the perfect location for our home for the next 5 nights.  There will be time before dinner to explore the pretty village and gain a view of the Wall from the Roman ramparts before dusk when we return to the old inn for dinner. Distance hiked is 5 miles with 700 feet of ascent.  

DAYS 6,7,8 & 9  These are the days when we shall set out from our village to hike the Wall, to visit Vindolanda, discover what it was to be a Roman soldier at the Roman Army Museum and discover Once Brewed, Twice Brewed and Birdoswald. This is not only a part of the world filled with history that changed the lives of us all but a stunningly beautiful land with a great sweep of moor that has changed little since the Legions of Rome stood guard here against the Barbarians. Our stay will be all the more pleasurable thanks to our charming country guest house and scrumptious meals.  An average of 7 miles with 500 feet of ascent will be hiked along the Wall on each of these days.

DAY 10  We depart north for Edinburgh by the coast road. Our route will allow us to visit the charming village of Bamburgh, where we will picnic, take tea and scones and enjoy a short hike along the beach below the great castle. Moving north we will cross the border into Scotland to visit the pretty little fishing village of Eyemouth. From here we will hike the cliff top path above the ocean for four miles to the picturesque harbor at Saint Abbs. Night spent at a one of our very pleasant guest houses just outside Edinburgh.  Distance hiked is 5 miles with 500 feet of ascent.

DAY 11 This will be our final days hiking and it is quite fitting that we shall enjoy a walk on the lovely Pentland Hills above Edinburgh. Going by the Iron Age fort of Castlelaw, we shall picnic above the city with wonderful views of the old town. That evening we shall enjoy our final banquet and walk the Royal Mile by evening to soak up the atmosphere and to walk amid the shadows as we learn about much about the history of the old town.  Our last night together is again at our splendid home near Edinburgh.  Distance hiked will be 5 miles with 700 feet of ascent.

DAY 12  Our unique Roman journey complete, we depart after breakfast for Edinburgh airport. 

THE AMERICAN CONNECTION
At the western end of Hadrian’s Wall lies the town of Carlisle. Did you know that, though of course born in Virginia, WOODROW WILSON’S family came from Carlisle? Wilson was proud of his Cumbrian heritage and made several visits to the area and in fact it was here that he came to relax after the Versailles Peace Conference in 1918. Today you can walk the Woodrow Wilson Trail around the city.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

GUIDES:
You will be led by Scotsman Dig Bulmer, founder of Hiking World and a qualified European Mountain Leader. Assisting Dig will be James Davidson, President of Clan Davidson & like Dig, an avid historian who brings his stories to life with color and charm.

GROUP SIZE:
To ensure the best possible experience we will restrict group size to a maximum of 16 plus guides.

LAND COST:
$3745.  Single Supplement $495.

Price includes all breakfasts and 5 dinners.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
In all cases our accommodation has been carefully selected to meet our particular requirements. All bedrooms have private facilities and are selected not only for location but for character and warmth of reception.

GRADE:
This is an easy/moderate trip. Our aim is not only to enjoy the great outdoors but have the time to talk, learn and explore the great historical gems in this lovely border land.

  "My bed in Melrose was 300 years old!  I slept like a King and ate like one" 
 S. Nohlan, Hollywood, CA