History & Heritage

The Scottish Borders and Tweed Valley have four truly amazing abbeys in Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso and Dryburgh. The Abbeys date back to the era of David I in the 12th century and were, in their day, a constant target for English invasion leading to a history of destruction and rebuilding. Today, only breath-taking ruins remain. Dryburgh Abbey and The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a popular wedding venue and is only a short distance from St Boswells.

The Borders Common Ridings were established back in the lawless days, when towns-people would ride their boundaries to protect their common lands. Today, each Borders town celebrates history once a year with magnificent ride-outs of hundreds of horses. Selkirk Common Riding, with over 400 riders, is amongst the oldest.

Abbotsford is the former home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist and poet and author of Waverley and Ivanhoe. Located on the B6360 east of Melrose, the house is close to the Sir Walter Scott Courtroom in Selkirk over which he presided during the early 1800s.

Traquair House near Innerleithen dates back to the 12th century and is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. When its Bear Gates were closed in 1745, it was decreed that they should not re-open until another Stewart took to the throne. Watch out for the fun of the Traquair Fair in the first weekend of August.

Floors Castle in Kelso is the home of the Roxburghe family and is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. The house has 365 windows, one for every day of the year. The woodland and riverside walks offer beautiful views and much flora, fauna and wildlife.

Paxton House in Berwick-upon-Tweed was built in 1758 for Patrick Home. A fine example of an 18th century Palladian country house, it is home to an impressive range of Chippendale furniture. Outdoors, you might like to try the red squirrel hide or enjoy the gardens.

Cycling and Mountain biking

The four abbeys way is also a popular cycle route.

Glentress Forest lies just 1½ miles to the east of Peebles and is ideal for walking, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding. Bikes can be hired.

Fishing

The River Tweed is the second-longest river in Scotland and takes great pride in the fact that it produces more fish caught on the fly than any other river in Britain. An ideal place for the fisherman looking to get away from it all, it is of course popular for those in search of success! The river boasts the longest salmon season in the country, running from the start of February until the end of November. We are happy to book fishing permits or you can book online at http://www.fishtweed.co.uk/. If you would like to take a fishing lesson visit www.nobodyjustafishermans.co.uk .

Walks

Scott's View Looking onto the Eildon Hills, this is a wonderfully romantic spot and is so-called because it was Sir Walter Scott's favourite patch for picnics and contemplation. When the carriage bearing Scott's body was on its way to his funeral at Dryburgh Abbey, the horses stopped without being reigned, as they always did when carrying Scott. Thus it was named 'Scott's View'.

 The St Cuthbert's Way leads from Melrose, where St Cuthbert is said to have started his ministry, to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), where he ended his days. The full distance is 62 miles but it is split into easy sections so you can simply enjoy a small part of it if you choose. Start at St Boswells, taking in a walk along the River Tweed and Dryburgh Abbey. The Borders Abbeys Way is the most recent addition to the many pleasant walking routes in the Borders. Once complete, it will offer a circular walk of around 65 miles and will link together the towns of Kelso, Jedburgh,Hawick,Selkirk and Melrose. Already open are the sections from Kelso to Jedburgh, from Jedburgh on through Denholm to Hawick and from Hawick to Selkirk.

The Southern Upland Way, at 212 miles, is the longest official walk in Scotland, consisting of coast, forest, farmland and hills. Made up of several smaller sections, you can walk as little or as much of it as you choose. The route starts at the west coast, making its way through Galloway, past the Moffat Hills and St Mary's Loch to the River Tweed. It then crosses the moors around Lauder before gentler farmland leads to Cockburnspath on the east coast.

Golf

Owned by the Duke of Roxburgh, the Roxburghe Golf Course is an 18-hole championship-standard course. To book this in advance. (Tel: 01573 450331)

Kelso Races

Enjoy a day at the races we can arrange transport to the races and back. Next fixture is Saturday October 20th 2007. Visit the races website at http://www.kelso-races.co.uk/.

Rugby 

The Melrose Sevens, held in April, is a very special event in the Scottish rugby calendar.

Tweed and tartan

The Tweed Valley is of course famed for  tweed, wool and cashmere and the Borders contribution to the world's woollen industry. With names such as Pringle in Hawick and Lochcarron in Galashiels, there are great opportunities to treat yourself or invest in gifts to take home.