Newcastleton

The Heart of Liddesdale
Situated just over the Scottish border in the heart of lonely Liddesdale, Newcastleton, with its broad Georgian streets and open squares, was purpose designed and built from scratch by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1792. It occupies flat ground beside the river and looks across to Whithaugh, historic home of the Liddesdale Armstrongs. The village fields or allotments can be seen to the south on what used to be farms, and the hill to the west includes ground once used by villagers as common grazing for their cattle.

Reivers' Ruins
Newcastleton is a very convenient base from which to visit the surrounding countryside. A short distance southwards a mediaeval cross, associated with the Armstrongs, stands near the foot of a small road leading up to one of the two valley burial grounds, where tombstones of four or five centuries ago are preserved among more recent but not less historically interesting monuments. Here, from the graveyard at Ettleton, the visitor can view to the east the raiders' settlements around Mangerton and Whithaugh, where the remains of their towers, farmsteads and fields can all be seen within the pattern of modern farming. To the north it is only 6 miles to the stern frontier castle of Hermitage, situated amid secluded hills.

Douglas Square in the centre of the village has always been the scene of local events such as the hiring fairs of the past and the Traditional Music Festival today.The town has a post office, several pubs, an antique shop, a bank, a grocery and several guest-houses.

Places of interest

7 Stanes Mountain Bike Trails
The 7 Stanes is a group of seven dedicated mountain biking trails situated in various locations across the Scottish Borders. These centres represent the best mountain biking experiences you will find in the UK and have to be seen to be believed. The Newcastleton 7 Stanes is no exception providing a great biking centre for families, novices and those who enjoy a more testing time on two wheels. The centre has a short red route, two blue routes and a skills loop to learn some of the basics. There's also a black-graded ridge for expert riders. With jumps, drop-offs, obstacles, "North Shore" features and miles and miles of singletrack, adding a day or two to your Reivers trip to savour the 7 Stanes is one of the best decisions you could make.
Tel: 01387 272 440
Website: www.7stanes.gov.uk

Hermitage Castle
Situated some 6 miles north of Newcastleton a visit to Hermitage Castle (see photo) is a detour well worth making to see this vast eerie edifice standing in a beautiful, isolated spot. Much restored, the castle still has a grandeur and a malevolence in keeping with its grim past. This mysterious and magical place not only witnessed long years of turbulent border reiving, but it played host to the tragic Mary Queen of Scots when she snatched two hours' rendezvous with her lover Bothwell.
Tel: 01387 376 222

Liddesdale Heritage Centre and Museum
The centre shows the history of the Liddesdale valley and its people and houses a large collection of artefacts and has facilities for genealogical research.
Tel: 01387 375 283
Website: www.liddesdaleheritagecentre.scotshome.com

Newcastleton Forest Walks
The Newcastleton Forest provides a rich experience for the walker whether serious or casual. A series of colour-coded waymarked walks will suit all abilities.
Tel: 01750 721 120

Serviced Accommodation

Bailey Mill B&B and self-catering
Bailey, Newcastleton TD9 0TR
Tel: 016977 48617
Website: www.baileycottages-riding-racing.com
Email: pam@baileymill.fsnet.co.uk

The Grapes Hotel
16/17 Douglas Square, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire, TD9 0QD
Telephone 01387 375 245
Website: www.the-grapes-hotel.com

Liddesdale Hotel
16 Douglas Sq, Newcastleton TD9 0DQ
Tel: 01387 375 255
Website: http://liddesdalehotel.co.uk

Sorbietrees
Newcastleton , Roxburghshire, TD9 0TL
Tel/Fax: 01387 375 215
Website: www.sorbietrees.co.uk

Woodside
North Hermitage Street, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire TD9 0RZ
Tel/Fax: 01387 375 431

Camping

Bailey Mill
Bailey, Newcastleton TD9 0TR
Tel: 016977 48617
Website: www.baileycottages-riding-racing.com
Email: pam@baileymill.fsnet.co.uk

Lidalia Caravan/Campsite
Tel: 01387 375 203

Bike Shops

No bike shops as such but the local garage in Newcastleton will help you out with rudimentary cycle repairs.