The Borders Jacobite Run 120 Miles

Adventure on Wheels Ltd working together with Active Sports, are providers of tours and recreation at their best, providing activities with adventure, over Land and Water to industry, education, and the general public.

The name Jacobite is derived from James Francis Edward Stuart (the Latin for James being Jacobus), the Old Pretender to the Scottish throne and is the name given to his and his grandson, Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender’s followers. The Jacobite risings took place from 1688 to 1746 when attempts were made to return a Stuart monarch to the Scottish throne. These uprisings culminated in the Jacobites’ devastating defeat at Culloden in 1746 and the Young Pretender, like his grandfather before him, spent the rest of his life in exile.

In 1745 the Young Pretender passed through the Borders on the march south to London, stopping with kinsfolk at Traquair, and hoping to rally support on the way. The Active Sports Jacobite Run has Traquair as it’s main focal point, encompassing the history, the Traquair ales made by traditional methods in the old brewery, the 1745 restaurant, the intimate family chapel and the peaceful atmosphere of Traquair House, a family home still occupied by members of the Stuart Clan.

He also passed on his return to Inverness, but was in more of a hurry and didn’t have time to visit.

The Jacobite Run (120 miles)

This is a great short day tour taking in some of the Borders most scenic valleys and rivers, while dipping into some Borders history as we go.

Starting from Whitmuir Hall we head for St Boswells for a fuel stop (if required) and continue to Scott’s View, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, who would often take time to ride up and enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the Scottish Borders. This is an ideal opportunity for a group photo.

From here we continue northwards to Lauder (whose castle also has Jacobite connections) and cut across the hills and onwards to the steekit yetts of Traquair House for a short visit and refreshments.

The closing part of the tour again takes us over the hills by Hawick to Selkirk. Like all Border towns, Hawick and Selkirk are steeped in a blooded history of tribal warfare and reiving between Scotland and England. After a short drive through Selkirk and a fuel stop if necessary, it’s back to Whitmuir Hall.

Please note that we have much more information including prices available on our CD and considerably much more when you make your booking, the above information is just a taster!

The theme of all our tours on Scotland's country roads is for a relaxed and unhurried trip, taking in local scenery and points of interest. The nature of the roads on our chosen trips does not encourage "speeding bullets" so we're promoting a sedate, leisurely introduction to the Borders.

Prices for individual or joint tours are available on our CD; accommodation options are also available, if required.

For information on bike/equipment hire and other conditions of the tours, please refer to our Motorcycle Tours home page.

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