Things to do in the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders lies south of Edinburgh and is a region of contrasts. On the east coast you will find quaint fishing villages and as you move inland the area is famed for its rolling green hills and historic market towns. It is easily reached from Scotland's capital city via the recently opened Borders Railway route which has breathed new life in to this part of the country.
Some of the best historic attractions in the area include Abbotsford House, which was home to the famous novelist Sir Walter Scott, Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland and the four Border Abbeys. Melrose Abbey is particularly famous as the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Floors Castle is Scotland's largest inhabited castle and is open for tours to the public. There are also numerous annual events which are steeped in tradition, including the Common Ridings and the Melrose Rugby 7s.
Head to the coast to explore the national nature reserve at St Abb's Head, a great pace to view seabirds nesting on the cliffs. The pretty town of Eyemouth is another great seaside place to visit where you can enjoy a fish supper by the harbour. Smuggling was once rife here and a visit to Gunsgreen House will give you an insight in to this illicit trade.
For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities and the River Tweed is renowned for its fishing. The Borders is a mecca for cyclists with some of the best cycling routes in Scotland and a variety of world class mountain biking trails at the 7stanes. For the more adventurous, Go Ape has a great tree top obstacle course in Glentress Forest, I can vouch for how much fun it is!
As the Borders is within such easy reach from Edinburgh, it is a perfect add on to your Scottish travel itinerary.
Some of the best historic attractions in the area include Abbotsford House, which was home to the famous novelist Sir Walter Scott, Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland and the four Border Abbeys. Melrose Abbey is particularly famous as the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Floors Castle is Scotland's largest inhabited castle and is open for tours to the public. There are also numerous annual events which are steeped in tradition, including the Common Ridings and the Melrose Rugby 7s.
Head to the coast to explore the national nature reserve at St Abb's Head, a great pace to view seabirds nesting on the cliffs. The pretty town of Eyemouth is another great seaside place to visit where you can enjoy a fish supper by the harbour. Smuggling was once rife here and a visit to Gunsgreen House will give you an insight in to this illicit trade.
For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities and the River Tweed is renowned for its fishing. The Borders is a mecca for cyclists with some of the best cycling routes in Scotland and a variety of world class mountain biking trails at the 7stanes. For the more adventurous, Go Ape has a great tree top obstacle course in Glentress Forest, I can vouch for how much fun it is!
As the Borders is within such easy reach from Edinburgh, it is a perfect add on to your Scottish travel itinerary.
A handy map of all my Borders blog post locations
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