Stage 11: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Linlithgow

Hello Scotland (madainn mhath)

Distance: 86.32 miles

Climb: 3,845 feet      



An early start as today we cross the border into Scotland from Northumberland to West Lothian, sticking to the coastline.

Fun Fact: The name Linlithgow comes from the Old British 'lynn llaith cau' meaning 'lake in the moist hollow'.

SCOTLAND! YES SCOTLAND

Our 11th day of riding saw us reach a whole other country. Scotland: a country that never disappoints, other than at the World Cup finals.

With Land’s End becoming a distant memory we set off through Berwick-upon-Tweed taking in estuarine beauty on yet another sunny morning.

Wind often at our backs, we glided through border country. Halfway up a climb we came across a sign welcoming us to Scotland. A major milestone on our journey necessitating a pause for celebration – fig rolls and Clif bars.

The Borders provided us with a couple of cheeky little climbs as well as some very fine freewheeling opportunities. Spotting two heavily laden cyclists ahead we drew alongside for a chat. The Dutch couple had landed at Harwich, cycled the east coast, and were eventually headed for Orkney! Again our ride put into perspective. 

The route provided few of the Junior Kick Start challenges of some of our previous days. Instead we joined well-paved paths giving us excellent riding and views.

Making our way to Dunbar, home of Yosemite’s John Muir, we arrived at Allison’s for another round of the ongoing best cake competition for Paul’s “Oz bunch”. Sitting in the splendour of Allison’s Garden, we were treated not only to a delicious cycling-themed chocolate cake but also homemade bread amongst other treats.

Having to tear ourselves away from the very welcome hospitality we hit the trail again. Taking in the small towns and villages of East Lothian, we moved closer to Auld Reekie.

Reaching Portobello’s thronging promenade, we made a stop for our daily dose of espresso. Chatting with a new friend whose brother was opening his art exhibition in Edinburgh, we were informed in true Scots style that we were lucky to be there now it had “cooled down a bit”.

There was still sunshine on Leith as we arrived at the gentrified port to find that the Proclaimers were playing a homecoming gig on the Links. Frankly walking 500 miles is not that big a deal chaps.

We were lucky enough to have an escort to our final destination of Linlithgow. Alistair rode out to join us for the last few miles, leading us home in style. Arriving in Linlithgow at the end of the children’s Gala Day celebrations we were greeted by bunting, revellers and finally a cheering crowd at the home of the freshly crowned Fairy Queen.

Rest Day at Donald and Jennifer’s, and BBQ with Linlithgow friends today.

If you are able, please sponsor our ride in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. Click through to our JustGiving page.










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