Travel: 48 hours in The Borders

Published on 30/04/2012 00:00

GRAHAM LINDSAY

Friday, 9pm Arrive at Garden House, near Coldstream, a superb three-bedroom, self-catering property by the River Tweed.

Saturday, 9:30am Breakfast on smoked salmon, eggs and toast from the hamper of goodies provided on arrival.

11am Walk through the estate by the Tweed, watching salmon leap. Salmon fishing at Milne Graden below the house costs from £50 per day plus VAT, including a ghillie.

Noon Drive to Kelso to pick up lunch from Pharlanne Delicatessen (01573 229745, www.pharlanne.co.uk).

2:30pm Family ride at Kimmerston Riding Centre, near Wooler. One-hour hack around the farm, enjoying the Northumberland countryside and views of the Cheviot Hills. Kimmerston Riding Centre (01668 216283, www.kimmerston.com, one-hour novice ride, £25, adult; £20, 12-15; £15, under 12).

4pm A 20-minute drive along the B6348/9 to Bamburgh. Explore the castle and walk the dog on the vast expanse of sandy beach at Budle Bay.

7pm Return to Garden House for a meal cooked and delivered by Fiona Burn (01289 388223) of nearby catering firm Barmoor Red House.

Sunday, 10am Kitesurfing lesson with Kevin Anderson, who provides instruction at various locations on the Northumberland coast (07766 303876, www.kitesurfinglessons.co.uk, three-hour power kite course, £65. One-day kitesurfing course, £99).

3pm Boat trip aboard the Glad Tidings (01665 721297, www.farne-islands.com) to the Farne Islands, departing from Seahouses. £13, adults; £9, children.

7pm Drive back north towards Coldstream for dinner at the Collingwood Arms at Cornhill-on-Tweed (collingwoodarms.com).

GRAHAM LINDSAY

THE FACTS

Garden House costs from £750 per week, contact Crabtree & Crabtree (01573 226144, www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com). The firm organise all fishing as required.