How to Get to Newcastleton from Major Cities

Newcastleton sits in the Liddel Valley, tucked into the Scottish Borders about ten miles north of the English border. It isn't on a motorway. There's no train station. The bus comes when it feels like it. None of that matters once you arrive — but you do need a plan to get here.

By Car (the Honest Answer)

A car is by far the most practical way to reach Newcastleton, and you'll want one while you're here too. The village has no taxi rank, and the surrounding forests, trails and attractions are spread across miles of quiet countryside. If you can drive, drive.

From Edinburgh (~1.5 hours)

Head south on the A7 through Galashiels and Hawick. After Hawick, continue on the B6399 towards Newcastleton. The road narrows as you leave Hawick behind, winding through sheep-dotted hills and eventually dropping into the Liddel Valley. It's a beautiful drive, especially in autumn. Allow 90 minutes without stops.

From Glasgow (~2 hours)

Take the M74 south towards Carlisle, then exit at Langholm or Lockerbie and pick up the A7 northbound. Alternatively, cut across via the A74(M) and the B7068 through Langholm. Either way, budget two hours. The M74 stretch is fast; the last section on single-carriageway roads is slower but scenic.

From Newcastle (~1.5 hours)

Follow the A69 west towards Carlisle, then turn north on the B6357 at Gilsland or take the route via Kielder. The B6357 is a proper Border road — single-track with passing places in sections, sheep on the verge, the occasional pheasant with a death wish. Take it steady and you'll be fine.

From Carlisle (~45 minutes)

The quickest approach. Head north on the A7 through Longtown and Canonbie. Straightforward route, mostly good road. You can be here in well under an hour.

By Train (Close but Not Quite)

There is no railway station in Newcastleton. The nearest options on the West Coast Main Line are:

• Carlisle — 25 miles south. Well-connected station with services from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Your best bet if arriving by train.
• Lockerbie — 30 miles west. Served by some West Coast Main Line trains, though fewer stop here than at Carlisle.

From either station, you'll need onward transport. Car hire is available at Carlisle. Some accommodation hosts offer pickup by arrangement — worth asking when you book.

The Borders Railway from Edinburgh terminates at Tweedbank, about 40 miles northeast. It's a lovely scenic line and worth riding for its own sake, but Tweedbank is nowhere near Newcastleton. You'd still need a car or a very understanding friend to cover the gap.

By Bus (Patience Required)

The 127 bus runs between Hawick and Carlisle, stopping in Newcastleton. The service exists, but it's limited — a handful of departures per day on weekdays, reduced on Saturdays, and don't count on Sunday services. Check current timetables with Borders Buses before making plans around it.

The bus is fine for getting here if your timing works. It is not a viable way to get around once you arrive. The trails, forests and things worth doing are beyond walking distance from the bus stop.

Practical Advice

Bring a car. That's the short version. If you're coming for walking, biking or fishing, you'll need wheels to reach trailheads and river access points. If you're coming to explore the nearest towns and villages, same story. This is rural Scotland, and the independence a car provides is the difference between a relaxed trip and a frustrating one.

The roads around Newcastleton are single-track with passing places in stretches, but they're well-maintained and quiet. You won't encounter much traffic. What you will encounter are sheep, the occasional red squirrel crossing, and some genuinely spectacular views across the Border hills. The drive is part of the experience, not something to endure before the holiday starts.

Fill up with fuel before you leave the main roads. The village has limited services, and the nearest petrol stations are in Hawick or Langholm.