The Scotland and England Borderlands
Sept 18 – 26 & Sept 29 – Oct 7
Cost: $1920
($400 for single supplement)
To think of Scotland is to hear the pipes and smell the heather in your mind. Scotland is a land of tough Highlanders, aristocratic Lowlanders and possibly even a Loch Ness monster. Like her Celtic neighbors, she seems to call to the hearts of people from around the world. Whether it’s the historic city of stories, Edinburgh, or the quiet monastic sanctuaries of Iona or her Northumbrian sister Lindisfarne, Scotland keeps you wandering along the borderlands.
Scotland is Boundless Expeditions at its best. As we skirt along the borders between Scotland and England we will explore a couple of thousand years of history. From the quiet Holy Island of Lindisfarne to the bustling metropolis of Edinburgh, BE will show you the past and the present, saints and sinners, soulful stillness and life-stirring movement. Come visit the land of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, St. Aidan and Columcille, Sir Walter Scot and Mary Queen of the Scots. Scotland will stir your imagination.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ceud Mìle Fàilte
Welcome, Pilgrims of St. Cross, back to Great Britain for the next leg of your ʻJourney through Our Anglican Heritageʼ. After we pick you up from the airport we will travel south, to the borderlands of England and Scotland. You will immediately appreciate the beauty of the Scottish countryside. Before we arrive at our first Scottish home, we will visit the picturesque Melrose Abbey, the center of Christianity in this region. Robert the Bruce, Scotlandʼs great liberator, had his heart buried within the Abbey. You will have time to explore the hamlet of Melrose and eat a tasty lunch before we settle in for the evening. Prepare for a fantastic week.
Day 2 – Borderlands
The Borderlands is a distinct region battled over for centuries. We begin our day by driving south into England through the Northumberland National Park. From there weʼll venture to Chesterʼs Roman Fort, a prominent site along Hadrianʼs Wall (built by the Romans to contain the wild Picts from crossing into Roman territory). Then we head back to the park and enjoy our lunch in the charming town of Bellingham. In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely nature walk from the town center to the Hareshaw Linn waterfall. Then itʼs back to Scotland for a quiet evening.
Day 3 – The Tweed Valley
Known locally as ʻthe Merseʼ, the Tweed Valley is a beguiling and gentle landscape of rich farmlands and wooded river banks. But this pastoral Eden was once filled with war between Scotland and England. The Tweed Valley was also home to Sir Walter Scott, a writer who gained most of his inspiration from the surrounding countryside. Beautiful ruins, stately homes and sacred Abbeys will meet us everywhere as we travel in this southern Scottish paradise.
Day 4 – The Holy Island, Lindisfarne
Today we visit The Holy Isle. The monastery of Lindisafarne was founded by St. Aidan, who had been sent from Iona at the request of Northumbriaʼs King Oswald in 635 A.D. Lindisfarne became the center of Christian missions in northern England and had a significant impact on the history of Britain. We will learn about Lindisafraneʼs history, saints and island life while the tides hold. In the evening we will transition to our new home: Sunningdale Lodge.
Day 5 – Thin Places
There are precious few moments in our lives when we can stop and rest in Godʼs presence. This Saturday, we revisit Lindisfarne for a very different experience. Today we come as pilgrims in search of Thin Places, places where heaven meets earth. We start our day on Lindisfarne with a Eucharist service. You will have the day to walk, think, journal, explore and spend time in prayer. Before we leave we will gather in the sanctuary for evening prayer. May Christ meet us in a significant way on this day.
Day 6 – Coast Lands
Our slower-paced day starts with a Eucharist at a local Anglican fellowship. After a rejuvenating lunch we will spend the afternoon at Bamburgh Castle, one of the finest castles in England and of great historic relevance. The evening will allow you to catch up with journaling, sleep or laughter.
Day 7 – Edinburgh
Our final destination on our borderland journey is the thriving city of Edinburgh. A city filled with stories of saints and sinners, heroes and scoundrels, royalty and poverty, Edinburgh will stir your imagination. In the afternoon we will introduce you to the history, architecture and culture that makes Edinburgh a one-of-akind place. This evening we will settle into the Gillis Centre, and rest for the final leg of our adventure.
Day 8 – Free Day
Your last full day in Scotland will be spent exploring Edinburgh. The BE staff will help you with your delight. Whether you want history, sacred space, hiking, shopping or just wandering-the day will be yours to decide. Our evening will come to a close with a very special celebration meal.
Day 9 – A Deeper Knowledge
You have spent the last several days discovering borders. You have crossed country and cultural borders. You have straddled the boundaries of ocean and land, day and night, heaven and earth. You have walked in the steps of royalty, saints, storytellers and sages. Our prayer is that as you cross back over the borders of your daily life, you will do so with a deeper appreciation of your Anglican roots, plenty of joyfilled tales of your St. Cross community and an peace that passes all understanding. May ʻthin placesʼ abound back home.
