Hilltop cottage is situated in the Borders village of Wark-on-Tweed.

The village lies 2 miles along the River Tweed from Cornhill-on-Tweed (on the A697). Here there is a pub/restaurant, shop, cafe and post-office.

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A further mile over the Tweed is Coldstream, home of the Coldstream Guards, with facilities such as parks, shops, pubs, takeaways (including a great fish and chip shop) and a small Co-op supermarket.

Today, Wark-on Tweed is a quiet village of just a few houses situated next to the River Tweed. However, Wark wasn't always so peaceful; throughout most of the medieval period it was home to one of the most strategically important castles in the country and the scene of frequent sieges.

The castle itself, originally built in the early 12th century, had a long sequence of development, culminating in the construction of an artillery fortress during the reign of Henry VIII. Legend has it that Wark Castle played its part in English history as it was in the castle back in fourteenth century that the Order of the Garter was created; this is an honour presented by the monarch as a reward for loyalty and for military merit. You can find out more from Past Perfect. The castle is barely visible today but the Borders region is full of reminders that of the region’s turbulent history with the castle at Norham some 10 miles away, the Northumbrian coastal castles within easy reach, the 16th town walls at Berwick and various ruined abbeys across the Tweed in Scotland. For some earlier British history, Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site is some 90 minutes drive away.

The pretty Borders market town of Kelso with its shops, bars and restaurants (excellent Indian!), race course and rugby club is nine miles from Wark. Floors Castle, home to the Roxburghe family since 1721, is also here.

Edinburgh and Newcastle are just over an hour away north and south respectively.

The Borders are fabulous for walkers with the end of the Pennine Way lying some 10 miles from the cottage at Kirk Yetholm. The Southern Upland Way and St Cuthberts Way long distance paths are close by. There is great hill walking to be had in the Cheviots (particularly if you want peace and quiet!), the Southern Uplands and the Eildon Hills near Melrose.

A number of maps and walking guides for the district are available for reference. We leave books on Northumbria and the Borders as well as a selection of leaflets about local attractions for your use while at the cottage. Please leave these for the next guests.