Paxton To Ford Cycle

This is one of our favourite cycles on a sunny summers day. It is about 14 miles and will take about 1hr to 1hr 15 minutes. Allow plenty of time for lunch, a visit to the castle and the return journey. You will cross the River Tweed, cycle country lanes and visit the attractive and historic villages of Ford and Etal, with the added bonus of a visit to Etal Castle.

1. From Paxton village turn right onto the B6461 towards Kelso passing Paxton House. Continue along this road for a while before turning left towards the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, signposted to Horncliffe and Tweedhill. After a while the road descends the hill towards the River Tweed.

Union Chain Bridge

River Tweed From The Union Chain Bridge

2. Cycle across the Union Chain Bridge into Northumberland, Turn right at the end to ascend the hill past the honey farm. Stop at the top to admire the wonderful view of the River Tweed and the bridge. Continue  along this road, passing a large house on the right before turning right at the junction towards Horncliffe and Norham. At the end of this road turn left (white houses on your left), through the remains of a disused railway bridge before turning right onto the A698.

River Tweed And The Union Chain Bridge

3. After a short while take the first turning on the left towards Shoreswood and Thornton. Continue along this road until you reach a right hand turn (looks like a fork). Take this turning and carry on along this long road before reaching a junction. turn left towards West Allerdean and Ancroft.

4. Turn immediately right towards Felkington and Duddo.

5. Continue along this road passing Northumbriam Water on the right. At the end of the road turn left toward Etal and Duddo.

6. At the end of this road turn right onto the B6354, signposted to Wooler, Etal and Duddo. NOTE THAT WOOLER IS 13 MILES NOT 3.

7. Continue on this road through Duddo and past the village of Etal for about 4.7 miles before reaching the picturesque village of Ford, with its far reaching views over The Cheviot Hills. A vist to the church and village are highly recommended, however the castle is not open to the general public. There is also a tearoom in the village centre.

Duddo

Ford Village

8. After visiting the village retrace your steps back to the equally beautiful village of Etal. After visiting the castle and strolling by the river a visit to the Lavender Tearoom is highly recommended.

Etal Village

River Till

Etal Castle

9. Retrace your steps back to Paxton and the Scottish Borders via the Chain Bridge.

Duddo Tower