We’re excited about a new ‘foodie’ cycle tour we’ve just completed with Visit Scotland along with lots of great local suppliers. Read on to find out why…

"Captivating countryside, wonderful wildlife and outstanding local produce… the Scottish Borders is irresistible. And the best way to sample it? On your bike."  Kate Chambers, Editor, British Airways High Life Magazine

We were delighted to host a unique and relaxed cycling tour around some of the Scottish Borders many gastronomic hot spots over three days, and at the same time sample the abundance of opportunities for recreational cycling in the area.

Our clients arrived in Berwick upon Tweed by train before being transferred to Peeble’s Tontine Hotel for a night of luxury. But before they could settle in for the night, they were treated to their very own chocolate making course at the amazing Cocoa Black.

"Our group was met at Berwick by two hearty chaps from Go-where, an ingenious company who tailor-make such tours, provide bikes, transport luggage between resting posts and act as guides along the route." Kate Chambers, Editor, British Airways High Life Magazine

Well fed, and ready for the days riding ahead, Alpine Bikes ensured everyone was able to make the most of their trip by supplying some great bikes and everything that was needed to make the ups (almost) as enjoyable as the downs, leaving our visitors with nothing to concentrate upon except the glorious views whilst speeding along the Tweed Cycle Route.

Innerleithen’s finest restaurant (and country guest house) Caddon View provided our first welcome diversion for ‘elevenses’ where we all enjoyed the produce of Steve and Lisa’s award winning kitchen. We had to prise ourselves from the stunning surroundings of their superb guest house as the hills were quietly calling, and off we set on the final leg of today’s ride – from Innerleithen to Clovenfords Hotel. Even with more than a few ‘undulations’ to overcome, the scenery and wildlife from every angle ensured that legs and spirits were never too tired as we rolled into Clovenford’s old coaching inn for another superb taste of the Scottish Borders’ larder.

The fine riding was done for today, all that was left was to load up the bikes, relax and enjoy the verdant scenery as we cruised along quiet roads and byways to Overlangshaw farm to try Lucy’s incredible organic ice-cream. Reluctantly we left her parlour and made the sleepy drive through rolling scenes teeming with newborn lambs, to the gorgeous town of Melrose, where the Townhouse and Burts Hotel would rest our (slightly) weary heads after a delicious meal at one of the town’s most established eateries – Marmions Brasserie.

On a GO-WHERE tour, the days are as relaxed or as challenging as our clients prefer, so today we started the day by using the vehicle to take in some sights around Melrose – Scott’s View, and, Wallaces Statue – before swinging fully recovered legs over the saddle, and making onwards to the breathtaking Floors castle near Kelso.

A whistle-stop tour of the magnificent Floors left us with quite an appetite, so it was back in the vehicle then onwards for a fabulous lunch at the Teviot Smokery. A glass of wine, a selection of superb smoked goodies later, it was time to depart – there were one or two yawns from the back of the vehicle as we rewound our way to Berwick train station to bid our clients bon voyage!

"Then, too soon, it was time to bid our bikes farewell, agreeing that the Scottish Borders’ glorious mix of stunning scenery and outstanding local produce was definitely worth all the huff and puff." Kate Chambers, Editor, British Airways High Life Magazine

If you’d like us to organise your very own gastronomic tour of Scotland, don’t hesitate to get in touch 

Check out the latest reports (below):

Kate Chambers – British Airways High Life

Selina Maycock – Scunthorpe Telegraph

Paul Bond - The Travel Editor