Beyond the Borders with Paul McKenna

      Multidestination

      SF
      Scotland Folk Tours
      • Email address verified
      1 review
      Jul 8 - 18, 2024
      Group size: 18 - 25
      Beyond the Borders with Paul McKenna
      Multidestination

      Scotland Folk Tours
      • Email address verified
      1 review

      Jul 8 - 18, 2024
      Group size: 18 - 25

      About this trip

      On this 11 day tour we’ll explore the unrivaled, relaxed beauty of the Borders. Traveling from East to West through this lesser explored region of Scotland you’ll experience everything you’d expect from an adventure across this bountiful country, and into England.


      Beginning in Stirling, follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s two great legendary warriors: William Wallace and Robert The Bruce and as we travel south to explore the sights and lands that these two men fought for.


      Leaving Stirling we’ll first head for Rosslyn Chapel where you can hear the tales of the Knights Templar before settling down in Peebles for a three night stay. From Peebles we’ll explore along the River Tweed and take in the Great Map of Scotland as well as the Great Tapestry of Scotland, learning about the historic industries of the borders: farming, mining and textiles.


      Understand how the Borders inspired the author Sir Walter Scott to write a series of ballads about its beauty and witness it through his eyes: from his home in Abbotsford House and his favourite view in the country, Scotts View.


      Leaving Peebles we’ll head west, crossing over Greymares Tail Waterfall and climbing up to Wanlockhead, Scotland’s Highest Village, before winding our way south, going beyond the border and settling in the beautiful Lake District of England.


      The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome at our accommodation, and a experience the rich cultural heritage. We’ll also explore the fells, splash about on the lakes, have a wild adventure and take time to enjoy the peace.


      Once we are across the border and into England, we’ll take advantage of our base and will take a day trip to visit Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda. Hadrian’s Wall marked the border of the Roman Empire, and there are still remains and ruins to be seen today. Vindolanda is a fascinating archaeological site that shows just how the Roman’s lived – both officer and commoner. 


      To end the adventure we’ll head back north towards Stirling, stopping at Dumfries House, a beloved home of none other than the King himself and wind past the lochs, forest and rolling hills which make the borders truly unique.


      This whole tour will be peppered with the sounds and stories of Scotland. Experience music across the borders with a number of music sessions and concerts scheduled across the trip. Hear the songs and melodies inspired by the legends of this land.

      What’s included

      • 11 Days of fun!
        Please note the first day, your Arrival Day, only has an unofficial dinner and is an opportunity for you to settle in before events start the following day. Accommodation is still included this night.
      • 10 nights Accommodation
        Accommodation begins on Arrival Day and concludes when you check-out the morning of Departure Day.
      • Breakfast
        Breakfast will be included at the accommodation every day!
      • Dinners
        Three group dinners will be included in the tour cost
      • All sites & activities
        Any site, event or activity listed in the itinerary is included in the tour cost. No additional entrance fees will be required.
      • Near nightly Live Music!
        Many of the nights we share together will include private concerts with either local musicians or your tour leader (they have one show). We also take you to local pub sessions along the way!
      • Group Airport Transport
        We will provide 2 group airport shuttles on Departure Day. One will be early morning, and one late morning/early afternoon, depending on when passenger's flight times are.
      • Orientation Meeting
        Zoom meeting with tour leader, company directors, and other passengers to ask questions and meet people before the tour!

      What’s not included

      • Flights
      • Lunches

      Available Packages

      Double Room (double occupancy only)
      Available until June 7, 2024

      *Must be booked in increments of 2, as this if for traveling pairs sharing a double room. Not to be booked by solo travelers.

      This package comes with a double room (one bed) at the accommodations throughout the tour for sharing with your traveling partner. This is usually a double or queen sized bed.

      $3,000
      Deposit: $500
      Twin Room (double occupancy only)
      Available until June 7, 2024

      *Must be booked in increments of 2, as this if for traveling pairs sharing a twin room. Not to be booked by solo travelers.

      This package comes with a twin room (two beds) at the accommodations throughout the tour for sharing with your traveling partner. These are usually single or twin sized beds.

      $3,000
      Deposit: $500
      Single Room (single occupancy only)
      Available until June 7, 2024only 2 left

      *For one person traveling alone or wanting their own room

      You will receive your own room, with a single (sometimes twin) bed at all the accommodations throughout the tour.

      $3,500
      Deposit: $500

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival Day & Settling In

      Today we don't have any official activities, so that you may arrive, check-in and combat jet lag at your leisure. The hotel's check-in time will be 3pm, however if you arrive before then you can have them hold your luggage at reception in order to explore the town centre handsfree.

      In the evening there will be an unofficial welcome dinner (not included in the tour cost). Your walking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to a nearby restaurant where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow passengers and prepare for the adventure ahead!

      Your Organizer


      SF
      Scotland Folk Tours
      1 review
      Our tours are for people who love music, travel and to meet the local folk! Listen to local voices of Scotland, providing you with some ‘up close and personal’ experiences of great music. Taking you to some of the most unforgettable and sensational parts of the country, our tour guides and drivers are arguably the best in the land. They have a deep fondness of their most incredible country, and years of experience. Equipped with stories of our past and our folklore, they will reveal to you some of the most incredible parts of Scotland.

      Reviews

      We had a great guide/driver, Gail!! She was the best! Patient, funny and very organized. All with the sweetest Scottish accent. Loved the views of the amazingly green countryside from the new bus with big windows. We also had engaging local guides. Joyce at Sir Walter Thomas' house really painted a picture of his life and collections. Paul at Hadrian's Wall & the Roman Vindolanda Fort was very knowledgeable and engaging. He added lots of fun details such as what kind of makeup the women wore. I like the personal details! The musician's Simm's and Maggie, were very upbeat and beautiful musicians and singers. Hotels were all historic and provided nice meals.
      By Nora L for Beyond the Borders with Harmonious Wail on Apr 24, 2024
      Thank you so much for the review, Nora! We're thrilled you had such a great time. You're welcome back anytime!
      By Scotland Folk Tours on Apr 25, 2024
      SF