Kirkpatrick C2C – 2 day Bitesize Itinerary East

The Great Tapestry of Scotland was created and hand stitched by 1,000 people from across Scotland and comprises 160 panels. The Tapestry tells a compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to present day. It is made up of 300 miles of wool, enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of the Shetland in the North Atlantic!

Wander around this remarkably complete medieval ruin by the River Tweed to grasp the appeal of monastic life. You can still see plaster and paintwork inside the chapter house dating from when it was built. Other fine examples of ecclesiastic architecture and masonry also remain – despite three fires and four attacks all but destroying the abbey buildings.

Scott’s View is probably the most famous view in the Borders. It was Sir Walter Scott’s favourite view and the story is told that when his funeral cortege was making its way to Dryburgh, the horses stopped, unbidden, at the spot – they were so used to stopping there during Scott’s visits to the area. The view takes in the Eildon Hills, the River Tweed and the original site of the Abbey at Melrose.

The centrepiece of the beautiful Roxburghe Estate, Floors Castle is reputedly the largest house in Scotland and is still a home to this day. Just a short walk from the castle, you will find the spectacular Victorian Walled Gardens with glasshouses, herbaceous borders and a formal Millennium Garden. There are also waymarked woodland and riverside walks to explore, along with a cycle trail, Floors has so much to discover.

This brand new interactive visitor attraction is a must-see for motor racing fans. It celebrates the life and career of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, Jim Clark, Scotland’s first, and double, Formula One World Champion and Indy 500 winner. Explore his incredible career within the motor racing world and his life beyond farming in the Scottish Borders. Discover Jim’s cars and trophies, watch him race in films from the time, while the simulator will allow you to jump into the driving seat.

Duns Castle Nature Reserve is surrounded by mixed woodland with two man-made lochs; Hen Loch and Mill Dam. There are paths linking Hen Loch and Mill Dam with waterlillies and redmace growing along the bank. The Nature Reserve is a fine place to walk to see woodland flowers, breeding wildfowl, birds and butterflies with Duns Castle in the background. The best time to see wildflowers is from April to July.

Patrick Home of Billie, who had not long returned from Europe, built Paxton House on a new site high above the river Tweed from 1758. Patrick Home’s architects were John and James Adam, brothers of Robert Adam; the three were sons of Scotland’s premier architect William Adam. The three Adam brothers changed the face of British architecture. Enjoy a tour of this exquisite 18th century country house led by one of their friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Eyemouth is a busy town with plenty to do, so is a great place for visitors to spend the day. The name Eyemouth name derives from its location at the mouth of the Eye Water River. This historic town is based around a natural harbour which means fishing has always been a central part of the Eyemouth community.