Essential Info

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included as part of this trip. If you require help with booking accommodation you may find the following links useful:

Booking.com search for accommodation in Melrose, Scottish Borders

We recommend booking accommodation in, or near to Melrose, for easy reach to the meeting point for both the walks and social evenings. Nearby Ripon is also an option with suitable accommodation, however transport will be needed to travel to Harrogate for the social evenings.

Food & Drink

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.

Melrose has a number of convenience stores.

Optional social evenings in Melrose are organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

Transport

For guided walking trips that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. There is no extra charge for this, it is included in the trip price.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging, or Tough Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

EASY (GRADE 1)
2 – 5 miles | Total Ascent under 500 ft
Short walks mostly on well-defined flat paths and tracks, with any uphill sections being short and gentle.

MODERATE (GRADE 2)
5 – 10 miles | Total Ascent 500 – 1500 ft
Walks at a steady pace on undulating terrain including moorland, coastal paths and hills. We may encounter uneven stony ground on some walks.

MODERATE PLUS (GRADE 3)
5 – 10 miles | Total Ascent 1000 – 2600 ft
Walking at a reasonably active pace over coastal, moorland, hill or lower mountain terrain. Well defined tracks and paths. Suited to people with good fitness and a reasonable level of pace and stamina for walks that have more sustained ascents and descents.

CHALLENGING (GRADE 4)
7 – 15 miles | Total Ascent 1000 – 4000 ft
Longer walks on defined and undefined tracks with sustained ascents and descents on moorland, hill or mountain terrain. Mountain walks will have steep ups and downs with rocky terrain including ridges and scree in some sections.

TOUGH (GRADE 5)
7 – 20+ miles | Total Ascent 3000 – 5000+ ft
Walking at higher levels, mainly mountain terrain with steep ups and downs. Mountain terrain which may include ridges and scree sections. Suitable for fit and active people with a good level of stamina. Hill and mountain walking experience would be desirable.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

• Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
• Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
• Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
• A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
• Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
• Sunglasses, sun cream.
• Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
• Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
• A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
• Any medication you need.
• Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
• Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification on any of the equipment requirements, please do not hesitate to ask.

Trip Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled trips, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Welcome Evening – 8pm  Please meet at the Burts Hotel

Walking Days – 9.30am  Please meet at the the Burts Hotel

Address: Burts Hotel, Market Square, Melrose TD6 9PL