Day 13 28/5/16 Northallerton (England) to Melrose in Scotland

Day 13: Northallerton to Melrose (Border Country, Scotland)

This morning we arose to somewhat gloomy skies and it was a little cooler.  Starting to need a little warmer clothing.  After breakfast we set off  North heading for the border country.  This is the region between Scotland and England which has changed hands many times in the last 1000 years. 

Packing and leaving Lovesome Farm B&B

Last pub in England before crossing the "border"

Along the way there are signs we leaving England.  We passed the "last pub in England" and your chance to get an untainted English pub experience. The A and B roads where pleasant to travel and the scenery lovely.  The weather didn't really change until we hit the border when the sun came out in full force.  It was lovely although we did need to keep our coats on. 

Every one is looking for the back roads

Canola in bloom

Certainly is if you hide it behind the hedge!

Power lines "pass" through a tree enroute

Wild flowers and Dandelions

View into Scotland from the border

Beautiful country

The Piper.: He can be found here playing is bagpipes virtually day of the year as a welcome for visitors.

David plays the fiddle alongside the piper.

Our group arrive at the Scottish border and chat to the piper.  McFritz was purchased here.

Views of canola across the landscape

These are "Staddles" used to hold up granary structures to stop mice.  Now being sold as garden ornaments at 400 pounds  plus the cost of a crane as they weigh a great deal!

Ceramic animals in shop in Jedburgh

Scottish church - has flying butresses in Melrose

Roman built viaduct in Melrose

We stayed at Fauhope House in Melrose.  After winding our way up a narrow wooded lane we turned into and thought we were in the wrong place. It was more expensive than the night before but we thought this was because of the bank holiday. An absolutely beautiful gracious home surrounded by equally superb gardens including a croquet lawn. The "suites" were enormous, the biggest, plushest beds we have come across and the bathrooms were as big as our bedroom at home. Beautifully appointed, glorious views and of course, sherry on each writing desk. A particularly grand home and upmarket furnishings.  The super king bed was wonderful.  Our room was called the "Red Room" very elegant in red and red based tartan colouring.

A very grand room in Fauhope House - Melrose.  You will note McFritz is also very comfy thank you!!

The main rooms, which were all open to us, were beautifully furnished and the breakfast room was wonderful and elegantly layed out.  

For dinner we strolled across the bridge into town for dinner. Upon our return we were greeted by our hostess, Sheila whom we had not met earlier, having been greeted, shown around by the housekeeper. Sheila and her friend had returned, by helicopter, from a local race meeting where a friend's horse had won. Sheila and her friend has obviously been celebrating for quite a while before we returned home as they were all hugs and kisses even though they had never laid eyes on us before. David was not quite sure so just gave a quick kiss before retiring, Dale is definitely not one for hugs and kisses with strangers but Alan was not going to miss the opportunity- he had a lovely time.