Borders Abbeys Way - Melrose to Kelso

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
28 kms	1-2 days	300 metres	Explorer 338, Melrose to Dryburgh

Description

This route is the last of five stages of the Borders Abbeys Way (103km/65 miles in total) linking the four great ruined Borders Abbeys and the towns of Hawick and Selkirk. This stage of the route takes walkers past three of the Borders Abbeys Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso Abbeys and many other historic and scenic locations in the Scottish Borders. Landmarks include the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills. The route is waymarked throughout, in both directions, with an 'AW' symbol denoting 'Abbeys Way'. For details on walking the whole of the Borders Abbeys Way click here.

Beautiful Melrose Abbey, close to the banks of the River Tweed, makes a great starting point to the walk. The Abbey was founded in 1136 by King David and holds the heart of Robert the Bruce. The second abbey reached is at Dryburgh by St Boswells. The walking here by the Tweed is superb. Continue to finish at Kelso Abbey. The route also links with the other popular walking routes Southern Uplands Way, St Cuthbert's Way and Eildon Hills Walk.

Access Info

The starting point for this walk is the public car park in Melrose town centre which is situated off the A6091.

There is a bus service between Melrose and Kelso which also meets the Borders Abbeys Way at Newtown St Boswells and at the main road near Clintmains (Munros bus service no. 67). Other bus routes can also be used, for full timetables visit the Traveline website or call them on 0870 6082608. Alternatively ask at any Tourist Information Centre in the region or call 0870 6080404.