Edinburgh to London with a bike
On the road with cellist Knut Weber Edinburgh to London with a bike On the road with cellist Knut Weber

When a bicycle joins the tour, a travel day can turn into a small adventure. For Knut Weber, cellist with the Berliner Philharmoniker, this year’s festival tour provided the perfect opportunity.

After the Edinburgh International Festival, the Berliner Philharmoniker headed south to London’s Royal Albert Hall. While the rest of the orchestra travelled by train, Knut Weber cycled part of the way: around 121 kilometres, with 1,210 metres of ascent and 1,290 metres of descent. The highest point of his route was approximately 310 metres above sea level.

He took the train from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, where he got off with his folding road bike and set off through the Scottish Borders and the Eildon Hills. From Scott’s View, he followed the River Tweed to Kelso before crossing the Cheviot Hills near Wooler and heading east towards the coast. His route took him along quiet roads, through open countryside and picturesque villages.

In glorious weather, he eventually reached the Northumberland coast. Bamburgh Castle was a particular highlight, with its imposing silhouette, spectacular coastline and views of the islands offshore. He continued south along the coast, passing through Warkworth before reaching Alnmouth, where he rejoined the train for the final leg to London.