Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders unfurl between the Cheviot Hills and the River Tweed, a green, history-steeped landscape of ruined abbeys and rolling sheep country. Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso each guard the remains of a great medieval abbey, while Sir Walter Scott's fantastical home at Abbotsford sits above the Tweed near the distinctive triple peaks of the Eildon Hills. The coast rises to dramatic cliffs at St Abb's Head. Our pick of the best places to visit gathers the abbeys, rivers and hilltop views worth the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scottish Borders
What are the best places to visit in the Scottish Borders?
The four great abbeys at Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso are essential, along with Sir Walter Scott's home at Abbotsford. Add the Eildon Hills, the cliffs of St Abb's Head and the River Tweed for walking, wildlife and heritage.
Is the Scottish Borders good for walking?
Yes. The Borders offer excellent walking, from the long-distance St Cuthbert's Way and Southern Upland Path to gentler riverside trails along the Tweed. The Eildon Hills give a short but rewarding climb, while St Abb's Head delivers dramatic coastal cliffs and seabirds.
How do you get to the Scottish Borders?
The Borders lie just north of the England-Scotland border, easily reached by car from Edinburgh or Newcastle in around an hour. The Borders Railway runs from Edinburgh to Tweedbank near Melrose, giving car-free access to the central abbeys and hills.
