Scottish Borders

Discover ancient towns and friendly villages, castles, abbeys, stately homes and fascinating museums that tell the story of the exciting and often bloody history of this area. In a place so rich in natural assets its no surprise that this is a favourite with hillwalkers, cyclists and anglers who come to fish the River Tweed and its many tributaries.

The western borders have the scenic valleys and rounded green hills that characterise the lowland landscape and contains the source of the mighty River Tweed. In the scenic Tweed Valley on the River Tweed lies the royal burgh of Peebles. This ancient town has many fine old buildings, open parkland and pleasant riverside walks; there are also a series of footpaths and trails that snake through the surrounding hills. Close by are golf courses, fishing and mountain biking, with the Tweeddale Forest and Southern Upland Way within easy reach.

The Tweed Valley is littered with ruined castles and keeps, reminders of the turbulent 16th and 17th centuries when it was fought over by the English and the Scots, and subjected to seemingly endless clan warfare and Reiver’s raids. Famous historic sights here include ruined 12th century abbeys at Kelso, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose. Other attractions include Abbotsford, former home of Sir Walter Scott and grand stately homes such as Floors Castle and Paxton House.

The eastern borders landscape consists of low-lying hills, extensive moors, and dramatic coastline and of course the ever present River Tweed as it makes its way to the sea. Bordering the Lothian’s to the north is the low Lammermuir Hills, with extensive grouse moors and wooded valleys; here there is excellent walking along the Southern Upland Way. The coastline is relatively short but extremely dramatic; a rugged coastal landscape of cliff top paths, towering red cliffs and rocky outcrops. Of particular note is St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve comprising 200 acres of spectacular coastline and sheer seabird-nesting cliffs rising 300 feet above the water.