Easter in the Borders
Date: Thu-Mon Apr 5th-9th
Organisers: Brian G and Jan
Cost: £57.60 for 4 nights, not including breakfast. £10 deposit required by 30th October (£10 event surcharge payable by casuals).
Activities: We are staying at historic Berwick, within the city walls, on the border with Scotland. There is a wealth of activities and places to explore direct from the hostel.
Berwick: Border town, has changed hands several times over the centuries, been in England since 1482. Great setting on Tweed estuary, famous rail bridge crossing, built by Stephenson in 1850. We can walk the city walls, 1 mile length, several museums and places of interest on the circuit. Lots of pubs and cafes in the town.
Northumberland Coast: One of the country's finest landscapes, a rich heritage of dramatic castles, Christian history, sweeping sandy beaches and high rocky cliffs. We will do a linear coastal walk visiting the castles.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island): Delightful, unspoiled historic island just south of Berwick. Cradle of Christianity in the north, monastery founded by St Aiden in 635. Great place to explore with its own castle and unique causeway.
Farne Islands: Catch a ferry to the islands, one of the largest colonies of grey seals, plus major sanctuary for migratory sea birds.
Tweed Valley: We can use the excellent cycle trail along the picturesque Tweed valley to visit Coldstream, Kelso (abbey) and some historic Scottish manors and palaces.
Scottish Coast: Great walking route north of Berwick to St Abbs Head, national reserve for puffins. Picture-perfect harbour with one of the best cold water diving centres in Europe.
We also will find out about horse riding in the area (several stables nearby) and diving option for those who have qualifications. Cycle hire available.
Refreshments: Hostel provides breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals. Self catering at hostel. Plenty of pubs and cafes in town.
Travel: Jan will get information on best train tickets in December when advance ticket details are issued. Berwick is about 3 hours 30 minutes via direct train from London. We will aim to leave Thursday afternoon to arrive early evening at Berwick. Car travel to be arranged with others booked in. Full directions to be provided to all those booked in.
Accommodation: New YHA hostel in unique setting, with art gallery on site. Converted 18th Century granary with all en-suite rooms and views over the town. Address: Dewars Lane, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1HJ. No parking at hostel, free parking in side streets within short walk.
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