Castles, Art & Heritage Tour
Various dates 2027

Saddle up with our award-winning cycling partner, The Slow Cyclist, for an immersive, 5-night, guided e-bike experience in the Scottish Borders.

This picturesque region is peppered with historic market towns, ancient abbeys, stately homes, rich wildlife, unique equestrian festivals (Common Ridings) and centuries of Anglo-Scottish history, all waiting to be discovered.

Each day set off on two-wheels to explore the meandering countryside, marvel at private art collections and experience the architectural grandeur of magnificent castles, historic manor houses and the ruins of 15th century abbeys, steeped in heritage.

At night relax in the impressive interiors of our home and your base throughout the trip, Thirlestane Castle, surrounded by antiques, artwork and unique artefacts from the Castle’s private collection.

Leave the rush of the modern world behind and slow down with us on this carefully curated experience for art and heritage enthusiasts. 

Holiday Highlights include:

• Cycle between the hauntingly beautiful red sandstone ruins of the Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey ruins.
• Hike to the iconic triple peaks for the Eildon Hills panorama, and climb to the Lammermuirs, for famous views across the rolling Borders landscape.
• Savour a wild-foraged riverside lunch.
• Gain access to the world-renowned Bowhill art collection at the magnificent seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch.
• Enjoy a visit to Traquair, Scotland’s oldest inhabited fortified mansion, and hear of the legend of the locked Bear Gates.
• Stay in authentic Castle Suites at Thirlestane Castle.
• Savour candlelit feasts and whisky tasting in our grand State Dining Room, which is lined with portraits of your hosts, the Maitland family. Experience a traditional bagpipe performance and history lesson from a Scottish Piper.

2027 Dates:

What’s included:

Ability level:

Cycles are 10-45 kms, on a mix of quiet tarmac roads, with some off-road and forest tracks with a few long hills, both up and down. Some tracks have sections that require good balance due to loose gravel. A moderate level of cycling fitness is required.

All bookings are made directly with our friends at The Slow Cyclist, Conde Naste Traveller’s Top Travel Specialist award winners 2026, so please click the button below to find out more about this carefully curated itinerary: 

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Image credits: The Slow Cyclist, Phil Wilkinson, Walter Dalkeith, Shutterstock and Artur Lewandowski & Journeys with Sean via Unsplash.