What's on inScottish Borders

The Scottish Borders are made up of the former counties of Selkirkshire, Roxburyshire, Peebleshire and Berwickshire and cover an area of approximately 1800 square miles. Possibly one of the most famous and most visited areas of Scotland, if not the whole of the UK, the Borders encompass coastline, valleys, rivers, streams, lakes, hills, glens and forests and pass from the Southern Uplands to the east of Berwickshire and from the North Sea to the River Tweed. With moorland to the west and farming plains to the east and hundreds of charming and picturesque fishing villages scattered along the breath-taking Berwickshire coastline amidst hidden coves and crashing waves, this is truly Gods country.

Perhaps that is why it is also the scene of so many famous battles and why it is now so rich in history and historical sites, from towers and castles to abbeys and old Roman remains. From the 14th century Hermitage castle to the magnificent houses and gardens of Dawyck, Kailzie and Alnwick Castles and the stately homes of Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Abbotsford with hundreds of acres of parks and gardens; history is everywhere in the Borders region. Also worth a visit are Jedburgh Abbey (founded in 1138) in the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh, Bowhill House and Country Park, Neidpath castle, Kelso Abbey (1128) and Smeilhome Tower; at Eildon Hill North there is a pleasant walk which will take you to the remains of the largest hillfort in Scotland, dating as far back as 10th century BC.

Indeed for those who want to get out walking or hiking, there is history in the landscape all around the Borders. The enchanting Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys were the hunting grounds for many of Scotlands kings and they have passed into legend though stories, myths and books by James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott. Running from St Marys Loch to the outskirts of Selkirk they are a popular destination for climbing, walking, cycling, fishing and sailing. Whether you want to tour unspoiled villages, wild moorland and gentle rivers or ramble through the hills, fish the lochans, play the fairways or sit in the sandy beaches of the coast, the Scottish Borders has it all.