Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders, Scotland

<p>Choose from the colourful collection of stunning <em>French</em>-style roulottes - the king-of-kings of Gypsy caravans. Avril and Alan, your engaging and <em>environmentally minded</em> hosts, have decorated your choice of roulotte with its own unique style (two of which sleep two, one of which sleeps four). A place where you can recharge, rejuvenate and refresh, chat around the campfire, swim in the lochan, have a yoga session with Avril, arrange a massage or play petanque.</p><p><strong>Things to do:</strong></p><p><strong>Outdoor and active </strong><br><em> St. Cuthbert’s Way</em> long-distance footpath meanders nearby and woodlands, streams, waterfalls and hills complete the surrounding beautiful landscape. <em>The River Tweed </em>flows nearby, a famous salmon fishing river. The <em>beautiful valleys of Yarrow and Ettrick </em>fan out from Selkirk and onwards up towards Moffat and Eskdalemuir where the famous <em>Tibetan Monastery of Samye Ling </em>is situated. A neighbouring valley towards Peebles provides <em>perfect mountain biking terrain</em>. There's also horse-riding and canoeing, plus many other outdoor options nearby.</p><p><strong>Wellbeing Yoga</strong> – stretch the body, discover the power of the breath and calm the mind with <em>Yoga</em>, in one-to-one sessions or small groups.</p><p><strong>Massage</strong> – indulge yourself and let the tension melt away with a full menu of <em>massage therapies</em>.</p><p><strong>Beauty treatments</strong> - Treat yourself to some beauty treatments for an extra bit of <em>pampering</em>.</p><p><strong>Personal Training</strong> – work out with a personal trainer, either one-to-one or in small groups. Throughout the year <em>Roulotte Retreat</em> also offer themed breaks so that you can relax, have fun and learn something new at the same time. These will include yoga, massage, art, creative writing, fitness and <em>active sports</em>.</p><p>This is a place lovingly created by Avril and Alan Berry and selected by Canopy &amp; Stars&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why is this a greener holiday?</strong></p> <p>Firstly, to truly minimise the environmental impact, guests are encouraged to arrive by public transport: buses run from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Carlisle to nearby Galashiels and pickups can be arranged. The nearest train stations are Edinburgh and Carlisle, buses run from both. Additionally on site, the owners have taken a wide range of green initiatives and are committed being as environmentally friendly as possible.</p><p>The roulottes have been made from locally sourced timber from near where they are made in France and Holland. Although being imported from France and Holland, they made a decision to buy them from the local artisans who have been carrying on this ancient craft and creating unique roulottes. They have used a local haulage company in the Scottish Borders who already travel over to France and Holland and so were able to transport the roulottes on their return journey. The buildings are painted with eco-friendly paint and use natural materials whenever possible. The roulottes are equipped with energy-efficient appliances including eco kettles and toasters.</p><p>Solar lighting and minimal low level lighting only is used throughout the site. All toilets are low flush and 'water pebbles' are used in the showers to reduce water usage. The firepit and campfires are supplied with wood from local woodlands and water butts collect rainwater which helps to water the plants. Herbs are grown in the meadow and the meandering chickens can supply free range eggs. In the meadow the owners have planted native trees and hedging to encourage wildlife, flowers and berries and increase biodiversity. The wildlife pond is lined naturally with clay and filtered by reeds so it is clean, fresh water supporting an abundance of aquatic life and plants.</p>