Borders Abbeys Way, Scottish Borders

Distance:	102kms/64 miles
Height Gain:	300 metres/984 feet
Approx Time:	4 days
OS Map:	OS Various Explorer Maps: 331, 338, 339 and OL16

The Borders Abbeys Way is a circular route linking the four great ruined Borders Abbeys in Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh and the towns of Hawick and Selkirk. The full route is approximately 64 miles. The route passes close to the site of the first Border Abbey near Selkirk, which was quickly abandoned in the 12th century in preference of Kelso.

Highlights include:

Jedburgh's vast abbey church.

Outstanding sculptural detailing in Melrose Abbey ranging from the statue of the Virgin and Child to humorous gargoyles including a pig playing the bagpipes.

The romantic setting and outstanding architecture of Dryburgh Abbey.

The wonderful Borders countryside of rounded green hills, wooded riverbanks, pine-scented forests and rich farmland.

Mary Queen of Scots' House, a beautiful 16th century building of rough-hewn stone.

Jedburgh Castle Jail, an imposing 19th century Howard Reform prison.

Floors Castle, a romantic fairytale castle of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas overlooking the Tweed.

The shattered remains of Roxburgh Castle, once the strongest fortress in Scotland.

The remarkable stained glass windows of Bedrule Kirk.

The riverside paths of the Tweed and the Teviot.

The wonderful viewpoints of Black Law, the Bishop's Stone and Cauldshiels Loch.

Abbotsford, the delightful 'Conundrum Castle' built by Sir Walter Scott on the banks of the Tweed.

The historic market towns of Melrose, Jedburgh, Selkirk and Kelso.

This fully waymarked route is suitable for walkers of all abilities, and it opens up the beauty of the Border landscape and presents much of this areas history and heritage.

It splits naturally into 5 sections each with its own unique character and scenery, which ranges from views over the hills of the Ettrick, Yarrow and Cheviots to pastoral landscapes of the Tweed and Teviot valleys. Start and stop each section in one of the attractive and historic Border Towns and enjoy quiet, uncluttered rural paths as they head over hill, moor and farmland and alongside rivers and lochs.

The walk is split into the following sections:

Melrose to Kelso 18miles/28km

Kelso to Jedburgh 12miles/19km

Jedburgh to Hawick 13miles/20km

Hawick to Selkirk 12miles/12km

Selkirk to Melrose 10miles/16km

When reaching Jedburgh, the 'Castle' is a must see. Ownership was moved between the Scots and English and formed part of the Treaty of the Falaise agreement, but was destroyed under the command of the Scottish Parliament in 1409. In 1832 a jail was built on the site, and is still today known as the Castle.

Print Itinerary

Itinerary Details

Borders Abbeys Way - Melrose to Kelso 18 miles/28kms:

You'll start with plenty of variety beneath your boots: sometimes a riverbank, then a farm track or two, with a couple of quiet roads thrown in for good measure. There are great views of the area's most important geographic feature: the River Tweed.

Undoubted highlights will be the 15th Century Gothic Melrose Abbey, the much-attacked Dryburgh Abbey, and Floors Castle and Gardens on its natural terrace overlooking the River Tweed. Its walled garden is well-worth a visit, just as Queen Victoria did herself when she took tea there in 1867. And what better way to complete your first day by raising a glass (or two) in a 19th Century Coaching Inn, set just off Kelso's Town Square?

The Cobblers Inn serves a mouth-watering mix of truly British gastro-pub classics and dishes from across the world.

Borders Abbeys Way - Kelso to Jedburgh 12 miles/19kms:

You can really get into your stride today with it all pretty much level going. So you can concentrate all your attention on your surroundings. Like the beauties of the banks of the River Teviot, not to mention great views towards Kelso and the impressive Roxburgh Viaduct. Another eye-catcher is Roxburgh Castle, up on high ground between the Tweed and Teviot Rivers, and much fought over by the Scots and English.

Kelso Abbey is worth a stop too, to admire the setting for the speedily-arranged crowning of nine-year-old King James III in 1460. Kelso was reputed to be the largest Border Abbey before its destruction. Your day will find its perfect end at the award-winning Caddy Mann Restaurant, especially when you sample their slow-baked Borders lamb followed by a delicious slice of their home baking (ask for the Border tart).

Borders Abbeys Way - Jedburgh to Hawick 13 miles/20kms:

Today, there's all kinds of walking. Thankfully, any uphills are over early. Then, you can go easy along the banks of the sparkling waters of the River Teviot. Picture-perfect views over the Teviot Valley and to the Minto Hill abound.

Jedburgh Castle is not to be missed. Destroyed by order of the Scots Parliament in 1409, two centuries later a jail was built here. Today, it's still a captivating sight. Jedburgh Abbey is next on your list, famed for Alexander III's marriage in 1285. Finally, hear a Queen's poignant life story in the 16th Century Mary Queen of Scots House.

Mansfield House Hotel is certainly a great place to finish, with a plate of something hearty. You definitely can't visit Scotland without trying Cullen Skink (a soup), the locally-reared beef or some tempting home-made desserts.

Borders Abbeys Way - Hawick to Selkirk 12 miles/19kms:

It's not all flat going today, but the rewards of reaching the high points are clear: truly wonderful views, incorporating Rubers Law and the distant Eildon Hills and the higher hills between Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys.

Step inside Bowhill House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, christened 'Sweet Bowhill' by Sir Walter Scott. See its renowned art collection, including Canaletto, Claude, Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Wilkie. The Drumlanrig's Tower Visitor Centre is another local attraction with an exhibition highlighting local history.

Finish a day of undulating countryside and forest track at the Willow Restaurant at The County Hotel with delicious freshly-prepared food. How about a Bonnie prince Charlie sirloin, stuffed with Haggis and anointed with a rich Drambuie sauce.

Borders Abbeys Way - Selkirk to Melrose 10 miles/16kms:

Your final (and shortest) section isn't too taxing. However, your eyes (and camera) will be working overtime taking in the panoramic views over Selkirk and into the Ettrick Valley.

Please don't miss Kirk o' the Forest, a ruined church on the site where William Wallace was hailed 'Guardian of Scotland' after victory in battle.

Pop into Abbotsford House, Gardens and Museum, home of Sir Walter Scott, complete with 9,000 rare books.

Finally, the Trimontium Roman Fort, east of Melrose, is the most important Roman military fort between Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall.

And so to your final night out. With plenty to celebrate, may we suggest The Hoebridge Inn in Melrose, a 'Best Restaurant' award winner. It's always a good bet for what's fresh and seasonal, with more than a few memorable local delicacies on the menu.