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If taking most direct route, make a rest stop at Moffat Woolen Mills, www.visitmoffat.co.uk on A701 or the Blacksmith’s Cottage at Gretna Green, www.gretnagreen.com , just over the border.
· You could take a detour to Hadrian’s Wall. If so make a brief stop at the border and again in Jedburgh (toilets), see notes below. This will depend on rest of itinerary and group’s desires.
· If taking detour, have lunch at Chesters but book ahead with their small café (sandwiches/cakes/drinks etc).
Dove Cottage – visit (if included on itinerary)
The cottage can only accommodate approx. 16 people at a time. Divide the group, if needed. One group can visit the museum whilst the others are in the cottage and then swap. Allow 1 hour, depending on size of group. Toilets next to museum.
Grasmere
On approaching the village of Grasmere (A591) point out Dove Cottage on the right, behind a group of cottages, but visible, opposite Grasmere Lake and the Hotel. Turn left for the village.
Coach Park
On right, toilets (fee) and telephone.
Facilities in the village
CASHPOINTS – Currently only one is available in the Post Office.
Various places for lunching & shopping
Sites
St Oswald’s Church (Wordsworth Family Plot in graveyard)
Sarah Nelson Gingerbread Shop (through churchyard follow aroma!)
Dove Cottage (warn group to take care when crossing the busy A591)
Lake District to Edinburgh – possible Hadrian’s Wall choices:
Choice One:
This should only be considered if you can leave Lake District no later than 11.30. Otherwise follow route outlined on route march.
CHESTERS ROMAN FORT: Take the A69 at Junction 43 of the M6. After 16 miles, take the B6318 to Housesteads Fort. 9 miles further is Chesters Roman Fort. There is a small charge, they pay. It is also a good lunch stop,but call ahead a couple of days to warn the small café. The site contains a full ground plan of a Roman Cavalry fort, a Roman Bathhouse down by the river, and a Museum full of Roman antiquities.
From Chesters take the A6079 (north) for 4 miles and join the A68. Make a stop at Carterbar (border – ¼ hour) and again at Jedburgh (¼ to ½ hour). Take the A68 North, make a brief photo stop at CARTER BAR (border between England & Scotland), usually a piper there. Jedburgh is a possible rest stop. Abbey has car park & toilets. Jedburgh Woolen Mill has toilets and café.
Allow 3½ hours from Chesters to arrival in Edinburgh, including stops.
Choice Two:
The Sill & Once Brewed: In 2017 the National Parks Authority opened a major Northumberland National Park Welcome Centre to be known as The Sill on the B6318, which includes an 86-seater café. Coach parking fee applies. From The Sill it is half a mile up to the Once Brewed parking area which affords a good photo section of the wall. (During Winter/ Spring the small car park should be empty enough to maneuver a coach, summer trips might be tricky. Discuss with driver). Take the A68 North, make a brief photo stop at CARTER BAR (border between England & Scotland), usually a piper there. Jedburgh is a possible rest stop. Abbey has car park & toilets. Jedburgh Woolen Mill has toilets and café.
Choice Three:
Birdoswald Roman Fort: At J43 on the M6, take A69, then follow brown tourist signs to bring you to B6318. Coach park 200 meters away from site entrance. Fort is 200 metres from the car park, entrance fee, small museum and well laid out foundations. Small café. Birdoswald also has a fine section of wall, if just stopping for a photo, can use the car park but no toilets, unless visiting the fort. From Birdoswald retrace your on A69 join the A689 and head for Gretna.