Day 1
Leaving Edinburgh behind, you trace the stunning East Lothian coastline to the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
After a stop to admire the fortifications, continue to Bamburgh Castle.
Next, journey towards York on the historic Great North Road, once trodden by Roman legions. Arrive in York in the late afternoon, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 2
This leisurely day gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York. Your journey begins in the late morning when you head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker. After lunch and free time in Whitby, travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay*, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning to York.
Day 3
Head west in the morning into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. Continuing West, your route takes us through the Northern Dales, a beautiful area of natural beauty that is the center of the Dales cattle trade.
The final leg of today’s journey ascends into the remote hills of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.
Day 4
After breakfast, head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago. Then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, for a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass, stop at Lake Windermere for a leisurely cruise on the lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch, journey around the southern tip of Windermere towards Coniston Water, reaching the charming conservation village of Hawkeshead. Explore the village, then follow narrow country lanes north to Grasmere.
Here, enjoy free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or relax in the peaceful Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothay. Return to Keswick in the late afternoon.
Day 5
Leaving the Lakes behind, start your climb towards Hartside Pass, at over 1900 feet above sea level, with the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District easily visible on a clear day. Follow the route of the old sheep drovers road between England and Scotland, stopping at Hadrian's Wall along the way, and crossing the border into Scotland and towards the town of Jedburgh for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. The final stop of the tour is at the world-famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland before continuing North to Edinburgh.