St Boswells to Melrose

To get out of Kelso, do not retrace your tracks. Do not cross the river; just take the A6089, signposted Gordon and Edinburgh. Go up the hill then follow the wall of Floors estate until you get to the B6397, where you go left. Continue to Makerstoun, where you go sharp right, dog-legging until you get to the B6404, where you go left. After 4km, take the right turn up to Clintmains. Of all the places on the route Clint Lodge has possibly the best views. And some very fine cooking.

This is a charming route with great views of the three Eildon Hills, known as Trimontium in Roman times. One legend has it that King Arthur and 1,500 of his knights are buried here, awaiting the call to return and rescue the nation.

You could take the right turn up the B6356, a steep ascent for 2km, if you fancy taking a look at Scott's View, one of the finest and most photographed places in the whole of Scotland. It looks down upon the serpent-like twists in the Tweed, and across at the Eildons.

The route drops down past Dryburgh Abbey and onto the Tweed once again. The abbey is Sir Walter Scott's final resting place, a secluded and beautiful corner tucked into a loop on the Tweed. It too was destroyed by the English in the 1540s. Maintained by Scottish Heritage, it it is well worth a visit.

Push your bike across the footbridge. If you are planning to spend the night in the village of St Boswells, turn left onto the A68 and cycle on for just under a1km and you are there. Otherwise, wend your way through Newtown St Boswells and over the old back road to Melrose, around the foot of the Eildons.

20. St boswells		Back to
Heather & Bill Walker		Clint Lodge, Clinthill, St Boswells, TD6 ODZ
Tel		01835 822027
Fax		01835 822656
Web		www.clintlodge.co.uk
Email		clintlodge@aol.com
Rooms		4T/W, 1S. Plus 3-bedroom cottage which sleeps 6/7. Can be self-catering or you can dine at the Lodge. Prices on cottage negotiable.
B&B		£45-£50. Cottage: £40pp
PL		£5-£7
EM		£27.50 set menu of fresh locally sourced fare (BYOB!)
VisitScotland 4-stars		AA 3-star

One of the greatest settings in the Borders - even better now there is a west facing conservatory - this is a family run country house offering high quality accommodation and fine local fare. Popular with golfers, walkers, shooters and fishers, so book well in advance. Cottage ideal for groups of cyclists.

Billy Hamilton		Buccleuch Arms Hotel, The Greens, St Boswells, TD6 0EW
Tel		01835 822243
Fax		01835 823945
Web		www.buccleucharms.com
Email		info@buccleucharms.com
Rooms		3S, 9D, 7T (newly refurbished)
B&B		£47.50-£65 (deals occasionally available)
PL		£4.50
EM		£7.95 - £30
Distance from route		800m (left down A68 - opposite St Boswells Green).
3-star VisitScotland.		DB&B deals: check website

Ideally located in the picturesque village of St Boswells on the A68. Offers an excellent bar which serves real ale and fine restaurant dining. A warm welcome, secure lock-up and drying facilities. All rooms were refurbished last year.

Hotel manager: Julie Hyde		Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0RQ
Tel		01835 822261
Fax		01835 823945
Web		www.dryburgh.co.uk
Email		enquiries@dryburgh.co.uk
Rooms		38: 8D, 30T/D .
B&B		From £63. Check website for deals.
Packed lunch		Yes. Price depends on requirements.
Evening meal		£32.50 table d'hote
VisitScotland4-star. AA 3-star. 1 rosette (as yet)		DB&B from £75 for two nights.

Delightful old country house on the banks of the Tweed, overlooking the famous abbey and final resting place of Sir Walter Scott; ideal place of rest for tired limbs. Popular with the hunting, shooting and fishing fraternity.