Scotland/ England Border
There’s something pretty cool about cycling across the Scotland/ England Border, right? This route crosses the Border via the beautiful and historic Union Chain bridge over the river Tweed, with very little traffic and safe spots to stop to enjoy the view or grab a photo together.
The route also includes on a cruise through Berwick-upon-Tweed, gorgeous Scottish countryside on quiet farm roads, a favourite local pub, a stately home, and a local honey farm. All in an easy-riding, under 2 hour round-trip on a E-Bike from our Good Times location.
The Scotland/ England border across the river Tweed via the historic Union Chain Bridge, with Paxton House in the background
Key info for this ride: 20 miles round trip from the Good Times location near Scremerston
Approx. 1 hour 45 mins ride round trip, at a medium pace on an E-Bike (not including time exploring places on-route, lunch, photo stops etc)
Easy riding on quiet roads, with two points to note:
We provide a suggested route through Berwick below, via some of its most beautiful, historic spots and avoiding most traffic
The route involves two A1 crossings (both with a mid island, one with dedicated cycle crossing point), where we encourage you to take it steady & follow our instructions here. They are safe and simple if you do, but for that reason this route is not recommended for kids
Suitable in all weathers, as there are no off-road sections
ROUTE MAP: 
Click to check out our interactive route map here (free to use, plus you can download on the Komoot App to follow during your ride)
Top Highlights on the route:Scotland/ England Border: Cross the Border with breathtaking views via the Union Chain bridge, which opened in 1820. Very little traffic and a really quiet, historic feeling to crossing the river Tweed. Scotland/ England Border signs on site for those must-have pics.
Berwick Old Bridge: Where you will see the best views of old Berwick. Please make sure to walk and push your bike if you’re heading north, as the bridge is one-way. We recommend crossing here, as the traffic is much quieter than the New Bridge/ Marygate alternative.
Bridge Street in Berwick: Berwick’s nicest street, with sweet local shops (like The Art House and the quirky second-hand bookshop Slightly Foxed), a micro-brewery called The Curfew, and Berwick’s super-popular, casual food & drink hotspot Atelier. Bike racks at the car park entry.
Berwick Elizabethan Walls: Berwick was a war-torn Border town for centuries, changing hands between Scotland and England 13 times. The Elizabethan defensive ramparts (huge walls built of earth & stone) are worth seeing. Our route takes you right through them via an old arch.
Paxton House: An immaculate Georgian stately home, but somehow also a truly Berwickshire/ down-to-earth experience. Relaxing, easy woodland walks down to the Tweed, plus for kids there’s a fun woodland playground with a flying fox/ zip wire swing.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm: Local family-run honey farm open to visitors. Delicious honey products - perfect for a souvenir. Cafe in summer.
Murton hill road: Views of endless, wide open Northumberland countryside, with the The Cheviots and The Eildons in the distance.
Horncliffe (small detour): If you want to add an extra 1-2 miles to the route, head over to the village of Horncliffe. Find a quiet spot to park the bikes in the Square, and take a short walk out of the village on the footpath towards Norham. Picturesque Tweed views almost immediately.
Where to eat & drink along the route:Northern Edge Coffee: Young, local coffee-roasters with a cool place on Silver Street. Busy but well worth a visit. My pick is their ‘Three Bridges’ roast for an easy-drinking coffee, but those who prefer a stronger kick go for the ‘Jimmy Strength’.
The Cross at Paxton: Cracking local pub, with an open fire and friendly local crew. Good pub food that’s a bit more interesting and a cut above most other local pub offerings in quality.
Coming soon: The Fishers at Horncliffe. Slight detour required, but a village community buy-out of an old pub in a cute village. Not yet open.
We have loved doing this route together as a family of varied cycling motivations (one actually for the scenic cycling, one for the good pub lunch, and one for the Border-crossing Instagram photo opportunities)! Any questions just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
