Anglo-Scottish Border Day 2 – Newcastleton to Selkirk

23 July 2023 Andy

Having arrived in Newcastleton at the end of Anglo-Scottish Border Day 1, Anglo-Scottish Border Day 2 would take us on to Selkirk via Hawick.

First things first, however … breakfast. We found an excellent café just up the road from the bunkhouse called Copshaw Kitchen.

Fuelled up, we set off along the B6537 out of Newcastleton as it followed the winding Liddel Water, and then soon the B6399, as it followed the path of Hermitage Water.

Cycling up the B6399, and the valley of Hermitage Water, represented the main climb of the day, indeed the tour itself.

Starting gently, we climbed for the next 8 miles.

Approaching Whitrope Siding with some of the heritage trains in view

Passing Whitrope Siding along the way. This was formerly a spur off the Waverley line primarily for freight traffic.

A little further on we reached Whitrope Summit.

Along the downhill descent we reached Shankend Viaduct. The Waverley mainline train used to cross this viaduct as they made their way between Carlisle and Hawick.

Of course, Tracey just had to go down and have a look.

… and step on to the viaduct

Leaving Shankend Viaduct we continued on our way to Hawick.

It was Sunday, so upon arriving in Hawick, finding a café that was open proved trickier than usual.

We eventually found a Wetherspoon at the other end of the high street from which we had arrived.

It was a welcome lunch …

After lunch we set off heading towards Selkirk.

We mainly followed the B roads, avoiding the A7.

There were a couple of tasty little climbs along the way as we steadily cycled upwards to our destination.

Eventually, we arrived in Selkirk, briefly using the A7.

We would be staying at The County overnight, just off the main square. Sarah and I also met up with our friends Andy and Sylvia for an enjoyable meal at Thai Valley restaurant.