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Clan Armstrong
The Armstrong clan was a powerful
Border family, their origins reaching back to the Anglo-Danes
of the eleventh century. The Scottish Borders, once a turbulent
place known as reiving (cattle-rustling) country, was the home
of raiding and marauding clanspeople, but is now a gentle and
forgiving landscape of farming and tourism centered communities.
This itinerary starts in the
Scottish capital of Edinburgh, one of Europe's most beautiful
cities, and takes you southwards to the fertile lands that border
Scotland and England. These were the Debatable lands where wars
and skirmishes between the English and the Scots took place until
the 1600's. The Armstrongs played the roles of both protector
and invader over their long history.
Day 1 &2 Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's magnificent historic capital.
You'll be spoilt for things to do and places to visit during
your two night stay.
Day 3 Edinburgh to the Clan
Armstrong Homelands
Depart Edinburgh and head south into the Borders region to explore
the Armstrong clan homeland. There will be opportunities to visit
the romantic abbeys at Melrose, Dryburgh or Jedburgh, the baronial
home of Sir Walter Scott who collected the Border ballads that
tell tales of the exploits of Kinmont Willie Armstrong and other
clan notables.
Overnight in the Borders
Day 4 The Reiver Trail
Five hundred years ago the English/Scottish border was in turmoil.
There was, quite simply, no law and order; stealing, feud, arson
and murder - they were all rife. The Armstrongs were perhaps
the most notorious of these clans with several colourful members.
We'll follow the Reiver Trail with opportunities to visit the
Clan Armstrong Museum, Armstrong castles, pele towers and memorials.
Overnight in the Borders
Day 5
Continue south through Liddesdale and the Debatable lands south
to Carlisle to visit the Castle fortress where Kinmont Willie
Armstrong and other clan members were held prisoner - and rescued
from as a result of their raids into Cumbria. Earlier the castle
had held Mary Queen of Scots after she fled Scotland. Return
across the border to spend the evening at Gretna Green.
Overnight at Gretna Green
Day 6 Gretna Green to Edinburgh
This morning turn northward, returning to the Reiver Trail and
visit or view sites associated with the clan through eastern
Liddesdale including the brooding Hermitage Castle. Time permitting
you could stop in at Rosslyn Chapel at Roslin just outside of
Edinburgh.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 7 Edinburgh
A last day in Edinburgh where you can shop for souvenirs, visit
additional points of interest - perhaps take one of Edinburgh's
famous ghost walks!
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 8
Depart from Edinburgh
Prices are available on request
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