Our St Cuthbert’s Way Coast-to-Coast Day 1 had been in glorious sunshine. It was, however, a slightly overcast sky that greeted us on the morning of our St Cuthbert’s Way Coast-to-Coast Day 2. Today we would be cycling from Newcastleton to Melrose.

Our route began by continuing along the side of the Liddesdale valley.

After a few miles, we turned off the B6357 and cycled through the village of Steele Road.

A little further on we decided to take a little detour and visit Hermitage Castle. 

Sarah and I had visited the castle on our Scottish Borders cycle tour. However, we had only taken photos from the road.

The site is officially temporarily closed, but the gate was open, so we went in.

A castle was probably built by Lord de Soulis on the site around 1240. However, the present castle was constructed by Sir Hugh de Dacre in 1360 after capturing it in 1341. Its fortress-like appearance was the result of further strengthening by the next owner William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, a powerful Scottish nobleman. 

Its formidable presence was key to controlling the Scottish Middle March. The borders were turbulent lands during the medieval period, the scene of constant violent raids and counter-raids. It is why author George McDonald Fraser referred to it as the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain. 

Its turbulent history means the formidable walls have many tales to tell.

Nearby is the 14th century Hermitage Chapel.

After leaving Hermitage Castle we continued our climb up through the Cheviots towards Whitrope Sidings.

Further on we took another little detour to view Shankend Viaduct.

A few miles further on we arrived in Hawick.

It is the largest of the border towns and known for its knitwear.

We, however, just wanted some lunch. We found The Almond Tree Cafe on the high street.

Following lunch, we put our legs to work by climbing straight up the side of the valley at Stirches. It was a stiff climb.

For a little while, we joined the A7.

Before turning off at Synton Parkhead.

We were going to take a track behind Synton Mill Farm. However, we were stopped by a ford … and the kindly farmer informing us the track was sharply uphill, rutted and we’d struggle on our tourers. 

We were getting quite tired now, so we decided to return to the A7.

This took us to Selkirk.

From Selkirk, we once more joined the A7 for a little while.

Before turning off and following NCN Route 1.

This took us to Melrose. We were staying at the George & Abbotsford Hotel.

By the time we put our bikes away we had cycled 49 miles. We had done quite a bit of climbing too. This was always going to be the longest and hilliest day of the tour, and it was certainly the most challenging.

You can view our St Cuthbert’s Way Coast-to-Coast Day 2 route from Newcastleton to Melrose below: