| Where: | Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland - starting at Barracks Square |
| When: | Saturday of May Day Bank Holiday weekend (early May) |
| Time: | From 9.30 am. |
Most of the annual boundary riding customs in the borderlands take place in Scotland and in June or July; at Berwick they like to do things a bit differently and hold their Riding the Bounds every May. The custom dates back to 1438 when local officials were deciding where Scotland ended and England began; since then the riders have patrolled the boundary to make sure it is faithfully maintained. There are few boundary riding customs in England (though there are exceptions such as Lichfield’s Sheriff’s Ride) but Berwick belonged to Scotland on and off for centuries and shares a common heritage with the other lowland towns which maintain their own Ridings. It’s now organised by the Berwick Riders Association. Expect up to 100 riders led by a Piper and a flag-bearing Marshall. The procession starts at Barracks Square and makes its way to the Guildhall before the 15 mile Rideout starts in earnest – they even stop the traffic on the A1 to let the riders through!
Helpful Hints
This event now takes place on the Saturday of May Day Bank Holiday weekend (in the past it was held on 1st May regardless of which day of the week it fell upon).
In 2025 it should be on Saturday 3rd May.
Riders wishing to take part get a discount on the cap for the event if they apply early. See website for full schedule.
Click here for the event website:berwickridersassociation.co.uk
For more info click here : http://www.visitberwick.com/whats-on/
Click here to find the Berwick Riders Association Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/BRAbounds
Hi,
Can you give me a contact number to speak to someone regarding Riding the Bounds. I would love to take part as it is one of the few borders festivals that I haven’t taken part in. I would be coming down from Hawick and would like info regarding times, parking etc. Thanks for your help
Hi Kate,
Though I don’t know any of the organisers personally, I believe you should be able to get all the info you need from The Berwick Riders Association via email at berwickbounds@hotmail.co.uk If you follow this link http://www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk/news/local-headlines/katrina-to-lead-annual-riding-of-the-bounds-1-2182482 you can find the contact phone number for the Secretary Steph MacDonald and as this information was printed in 2012 in local newspaper the Berwick Advertiser, it should be up-to-date. There seems to be a problem with their webpage http://www.berwickbounds.webs.com (that may be temporary) but they also have a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BRA.Ltd?fref=ts so hopefully at least one of these contacts should work. Good luck – and look out for us in the crowd on May 1st as we’re planning on coming to watch!!
Averil
Berwick Riders Association invite you to Berwick upon Tweed’s Annual Riding of the Bounds, Sunday the 1st of May 2016
2016 sees the 407th Riding of the Bounds, a celebration of the traditional fifteen mile ride to check the security of the boundaries of the town, originating to protect the English town from Scottish Raiders, with a cavalcade of horsemen – come follow our Chief Marshal and principals on one of Berwick’s oldest traditions!
This event is FREE to spectators and riders.
For more information please contact berwickbounds@yahoo.co.uk or check out our websitehttp://berwickbounds.webs.com/
ROUTE TIMINGS
Please Note these times are approximate and depend on weather conditions on the day.
9.30am –Best Turned Out Judging, Grass In front of Barracks.
10am–Riders assemble in Parade Car Park and Proceed to Barracks.
10.20am –Riders leave the Barracks and proceed to the Guild Hall.
10.45am–Ride leaves Town via Church Street.
12.30-1pm –Gallop will take place before the rest break and can be
viewed from the Bridge over the River, This is strictly weather permitting.
1pm Approx -Trotting Races
3.00pm – Ride Returns to the Town Via Castle Terrace back to the Guild Hall
3.30pm- After Ride Lunch and Prize Giving (All welcome)
Thanks Katrina,
That’s really useful info – I’ve added a link to your own website to my page, so visitors can just click through.
Best wishes,
Averil
HI THERE,
Please can you update your records and the section with the helpful hints? The Annual Riding of the Bounds will take place on the first Saturday of the Early May Bank Holiday from 2017
Kind Regards
Katrina
Berwick Riders Association
Hi Katrina,
Many thanks for the early warning of the change – I’ll update the page accordingly. Will the starting time still be the same?
Best wishes,
Averil
2017 sees the 408th Riding of the Bounds, a celebration of the traditional fifteen mile ride out to check the security of the boundaries of the land, originating to protect the ownership of lands.
A tradition which through history became romantically enriched to become a tale of protecting the most northen town in England, Berwick upon Tweed, from Scottish Raiders.
Nowadays, a cavalcade of horsemen and horsewomen with lots of families and children joining in and spectating make for a fun filled day out for riders and spectators
Where people from both sides of the border come together to celebrate our past present and future
This event is FREE to spectators and riders.All we ask is that children under 12 are accompanied by a suitable adult at all times
There are no lead reigns permitted
Riders take part at their own risk
ID armbands are compulsory for riders aged 16 and under and will be available free of charge on the day
For more information please contact berwickbounds@yahoo.co.uk
ROUTE TIMINGS
Please Note these times are approximate and depend on weather conditions on the day.
9.30am –Best Turned Out Judging, Grass In front of Barracks.
10am–Riders assemble in Parade Car Park and Proceed to Barracks.
10.20am –Riders leave the Barracks and proceed to the Guild Hall.
10.45am–Ride leaves Town via Church Street.
12.30-1pm –Gallop will take place before the rest break and can be
viewed from the Bridge over the River, This is strictly weather permitting.
1pm Approx -Trotting Races
3.00pm – Ride Returns to the Town Via Castle Terrace back to the Guild Hall
3.30pm- After Ride Lunch and Prize Giving (All welcome)
Thanks Jude!
Best wishes,
Averil
the web page has changed to berwickridersassociation.co.uk
and the facebook is berwick riders association
the ride will take place on Saturday 4th May 2019
Thanks Jude
I’ll get that info on the site ASAP- I wish all event organisers were as prepared as you are!
Best wishes
Averil