Beyond the Borders with Harmonious Wail

Multidestination

SF
Scotland Folk Tours
  • Email address verified
73 reviews
Apr 12 - 22, 2024
Group size: 18 - 25
Beyond the Borders with Harmonious Wail
Multidestination

Scotland Folk Tours
  • Email address verified
73 reviews

Apr 12 - 22, 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, and two private dinners, (five total) 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)

*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: $1,500
Twin Room (double occupancy only)

*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: $1,500
Single Room (single occupancy only)

*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: $1,750

Available Add-Ons

Arrival Day Airport Transfer
$125
Deposit: $0

Whether you arrive into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, we will have a car pick you up and take you directly to the Stirling hotel. 

Departure Day Airport Transfer
$125
Deposit: $0

This option is for you if you are unable to make one of the group transfers on Departure Day, but would still like a ride pre-arranged.  

T-Shirt
$25

We will send you options to choose from, and have the item ready on your Arrival Day!

Hoodie or Sweatshirt
$40

We will send you options to choose from, and have the item ready on your Arrival Day!

Additional Night at Hotel Before Tour
$250
Deposit: $0

If you would like to add additional nights onto your stay, we are happy to book this for you! *Please note this is dependent on availability

Additional Night at Hotel After Tour
$250
Deposit: $0

If you would like to add additional nights onto your stay, we are happy to book this for you! *Please note this is dependent on availability



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
73 reviews
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 blast getting to know Ediburgh with the help of Fiona, who could answer any questions put to her and knew all the best places to visit. Then we piled into the bus and Ben took over as our guide for the rest of the tour of the Highlands. Ben was filled with facts and stories everywhere we went, knew all the best views to take photos, and had an excellent Scottish music playlist! When we weren't touristing about we got to listen to some amazing musicians! The best thing about folk music in Scotland is how it is tied to history and culture and language, and thus intertwines with identity and the shifting landscape of modern political thought. The folk musicians we met were just as comfortable talking about their place in society as they were playing music, and that gave depth to the trip that was invaluable. This was my partner's first trip abroad and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to another country.
By Cat F for Beyond the Tartan with Mouths of Babes on May 14, 2025
Fantastic guides, fabulous local music, incredible scenery, and a small size group (16) which made it cozy and intimate. Mouths of Babes were genial hosts and also gave two wonderful concerts. All of this was five stars plus. The accommodations, although mostly in good locations, were underwhelming to say the least: small beds; small rooms; “views” of a trailer camp, a corrugated roof storage structure, and in Edinburgh a brick wall 5 yards away— not a great welcome to a beautiful city. (Charge more and give us decent rooms.) The music, camaraderie, and the history of the Scottish Highlands as shared by our two wonderful guides will stay with us forever.
By LINDY M for Beyond the Tartan with Mouths of Babes on May 10, 2025
This was a wonderful travel experience hosted by a favorite musician couple, to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh and Inverness. The food and activities were phenomenal.
By Elizabeth R for Beyond the Tartan with Mouths of Babes on Apr 30, 2025
Thank you Elizabeth, for leaving a review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time in our bonnie country and hope to see you again in the future!
By Scotland Folk Tours on Apr 30, 2025
SF
This trip was grand in every way! The incredibly informed, knowledgeable, warm tour guides allowed us to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings, appreciate the history and remember our time in Scotland with great fondness. The schedule was full without being frantic and great thought was given to selecting routes that allowed for frequent, meaningful breaks so that we were never on the road for very long. I would (and very likely will) travel with these folks again, and will whole-heartedly recommend them to my friends.
By Kristina R for Beyond the Tartan with Harmonious Wail on Apr 27, 2025
Hi Kris, what a lovely review! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your thoughts. We truly hope you mean it and that we'll be able to enjoy your company again on a future tour. :)
By Scotland Folk Tours on Apr 29, 2025
SF
A far richer experience with 2 fantastic tour guides (Naomi and Gail) and hosts (Harmonious Wail / Sims & Maggie) than we could have ever had going alone. Our guides gave such passionate, informative, funny and insightful comments along the way, bringing a deeper appreciation of what we were seeing. The musical experiences, whether from Harmonious Wail, local musicians or Sims and Maggie just playing on the bus, provided a literal soundtrack to the trip unlike any playlist we could create. Simply put, an outstanding experience that began with 12 other strangers that ended with 12 friends and a lifetime of memories.
By Chris H for Beyond the Tartan with Harmonious Wail on Apr 22, 2025
This is such a lovely review, Chris. We so appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience and genuinely hope to see you and your wife on a future tour. Safe travels home!
By Scotland Folk Tours on Apr 22, 2025
SF
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