Take part in Scottish tradition on the
legendary Border Rides

2025 Dates:

July 28-August 3
August 2-6
August 2-8

Duration:

5 days/4 nights
7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

Advanced

Experience firsthand the tradition of the Scottish Borders Ride, also known as Common Rides and Ride Outs.  The tradition of common riding dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, during the continual land border wars between Scotland and England, and between rival Scottish clans. The tradition has been kept alive and has become not only a staple, but a highlight of summers in the Scottish Borders region.

Ride for multiple days in the Edinburgh area and the Scottish border towns.  Each itinerary offers a variety of riding including 1-3 Common Rides, hacks in the countryside, and riding on the beach, as well as time to wander and explore as you please. Castle accommodations will make you feel like Scottish royalty as you immerse yourself in Scottish history and tradition.


Horses

Scottish horses come from much of the same stock as Irish mounts, and are just as hearty, sturdy, dependable, and fun to ride! 


Riding

Advanced

Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, navigating technical terrain at speed, and controlling the horse at all paces in a large group (up to or over 100 riders!).

Accompanying non-riders are welcome!


Tack

Riders will ride English, and should be prepared for several hours in the saddle daily at all paces.


Accommodation

Dalhousie Castle embodies eight centuries’ of Scottish heritage, surrounded by eleven acres of countryside and wooded valleys. Whether you’re exploring the picturesque gardens, enjoying a candlelit dinner in the dungeon, or simply relaxing in your beautiful castle room, Dalhousie embodies the timeless charm of a storybook fairytale.

Ednam House sits in Kelso on the banks of the River Tweed, enveloped by three acres of enchanting gardens. A spacious, stately mansion dating back to 1761 with a home-from-home atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to recharge mind and body and soak up the best of the Borders.  


Dining

Breakfast included at each accommodation.


Itineraries

  • 7 Days | 6 Nights
    3 Rides + 2 Common Ride

    Accommodation:
    Dalhousie Castle and Spa (Jul 28) & Ednam House (Jul 29-Aug 3)

    Riding Schedule

    • Mon Jul 28, 2025 Arrive & Relax

    • Tue Jul 29, 2025 Equestrian Centre Assessment Ride (1 hr) & Hack (2 hrs)

    • Wed Jul 30, 2025 Countryside Ride (3 hr)

    • Thu Jul 31, 2025 Lauder Common Ride (~3 hrs of riding)

    • Fri Aug 1, 2025 Day Off

    • Sat Aug 2, 2025 Lauder Common Ride (~4-6 hrs of riding)

    • Sun Aug 3, 2025 Check Out

  • 5 Days | 4 Nights
    3 Rides + 2 Common Ride

    Accommodation:
    Dalhousie Castle and Spa (Aug 2) & Ednam House (Aug 3-6)

    Riding Schedule

    • Sat Aug 2, 2025 Equestrian Centre Assessment Ride (1 hr) & Hack (1 hr)

    • Sun Aug 3, 2025 Beach Ride* (2 hrs)

    • Mon Aug 4, 2025 Coldstream Common Ride (~3 hrs of riding)

    • Tue Aug 5, 2025 Coldstream Common Ride (~5 hrs of riding)

    • Wed Aug 6, 2025 Check Out

    *If less than 5 riders are signed up for the itinerary, a supplemental fee may be added for the beach ride. An alternate activity can be selected. 

  • 7 Days | 6 Nights
    2 Rides + 3 Common Ride

    Accommodation:
    Dalhousie Castle and Spa (Aug 2-3) & Ednam House (Aug 3-8)

    Riding Schedule

    • Sat Aug 2, 2025 Equestrian Centre Assessment Ride (1 hr) & Hack (1 hr)

    • Sun Aug 3, 2025 Beach Ride* (2 hrs)

    • Mon Aug 4, 2025 Coldstream Common Ride (~3 hrs of riding)

    • Tue Aug 5, 2025 Coldstream Common Ride (~5 hrs of riding)

    • Wed Aug 6, 2025 Day Off

    • Thu Aug 7, 2025 Coldstream Common Ride (~4-6 hrs of riding)

    • Fri Aug 8, 2025 Check Out

    *If less than 5 riders are signed up for the itinerary, a supplemental fee may be added for the beach ride. An alternate activity can be selected. 


Dates


Book Now

 

Price Includes:

  • All accommodations in Melville Castle

  • Daily breakfast

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Scotland

  • Transportation to/from riding activities

  • Lunch & evening meals

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary