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Cycling in Glentress

  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the easiest destination in Scotland to reach, full of rolling hills, open countryside and picturesque coastline. It's also rich in history with spellbinding abbeys, textile mills and awe-inspiring stately homes and castles. 

Great things to do in the Scottish Borders

Stunning castles, beautiful views and tasty farm produce await in the Scottish Borders.

Castles and stately homes in the Scottish Borders

The south of Scotland is packed full of sumptuous stately homes and castles to explore.

Walking in the Scottish Borders

Visit the Scotland Starts Here website for walking routes and trails.

Cycling in the Scottish Borders

All you need to know about cycling in the Scottish Borders.

Tweed Valley Canoe Trail

Stretching 30-miles of the River Tweed, this first official canoe trail in south Scotland reaches from Stobo to Tweedbank amidst stunning scenery.

Common Ridings & festivals

Explore more common ridings and events in the Scottish Borders.

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve

Experience dramatic coastal cliffs and thriving wildlife at a reserve known for its bracing sea air and seabird spectacles.

Top day out ideas

Discover a region where Scotland’s stories, landscapes and creativity come together in fresh and surprising ways.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland

The Tapestry tells a compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to present day.

Abbotsford House

Discover the story of Scotland’s greatest writer at his romantic riverside home, filled with history, books and inspiration.

Glentress 7stanes

Explore the new network of mountain biking trails and new multi-user path at Glentress.

Trimontium

Learn the story of Trimontium, the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall and the native Iron Age tribes who inhabited the area.

Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

This museum celebrates local hero and F1 racing legend Jim Clark with exhibits spanning cars, trophies, memorabilia, and more.

The Borders Distillery

The region’s first whisky distillery in almost 200 years boasts polished tours, tastings and a handsome restored mill setting.

Borders Textile Towerhouse

Discover the story of the region’s knitwear and tweed industries.

Common Ridings – a chaotic and rebellious history

National Geographic delves into the turbulent history of Common Ridings and how they came to be what they are today.

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

St Abbs

Follow a route

Travel by train, head out on foot, try out the many cycling trails or go on a road trip adventure. There are lots of ways to explore the Scottish Borders.

  • Iconic driving routes & road trips in Scotland
  • Borders Historic Route
  • Borders Railway itineraries
  • John Buchan Way
  • Kirkpatrick C2C
Find more ideas

See what's on in the Scottish Borders

Experience what's going on across the Scottish Borders, from sporting activities to music and festivals. 

A gathering at Selkirk Common Ridings

Edge Fest, 4–6 September 2026 – Edge Festival returns with a lively mix of music, arts and community spirit, showcasing fresh talent and unforgettable summer performances.

Common Ridings & Festivals, various dates – Explore more common ridings and events in the Scottish Borders. 

Duns Play Fest, May 2027 – Experience a vibrant mix of theatre and live performances in an intimate setting in the heart of the Borders.

Melrose Sevens, May 2027 – An event for every rugby enthusiast's calendar, the Melrose Sevens sees players, supporters and visitors from across the rugby world come together for an eventful weekend of celebrations.

Borders Book Festival, 17-20 June 2027 - Taking place in the Harmony Gardens in Melrose, take part in this yearly festival celebrating authors from around the world with events, workshops, talks, live music, comedy and food and drink. 

How to travel to and around the Scottish Borders

Spanning 1,800 square miles, the Scottish Borders is just south of Edinburgh, to the north east of Dumfries & Galloway and borders with Northumberland in the north of England. 

Getting to

Train

There are regular services from London King’s Cross via York, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed on the East Coast Main Line to Edinburgh. You can connect to the Borders Railway at Edinburgh Waverley or switch to Borders Buses for local connections at Berwick-upon-Tweed. 

Check out the LNER website for details

The Borders Railway makes the region more accessible than ever. Connecting Edinburgh with Tweedbank, journey time is just under an hour and there are 10 charming towns in both Midlothian and the Borders. 

Find out more on the Borders Railway

Bus and coach

From Edinburgh:

Hop on Borders Buses from Edinburgh. Services number X62 to Galashiels via Peebles, X95 to Carlisle via Stow and Galashiels, as well as bus lines 51 and 52 to Jedburgh offer regular services.

From Carlisle:

Take Borders Buses service number X95 to Edinburgh via Langholm, Galashiels and Stow.

From Berwick-upon-Tweed:

Catch Borders Buses service number 253 to Edinburgh to head north via the Scottish Borders coastline, or hop on services 60 or 67 to head to the heart of the Borders and Galashiels Transport Interchange, where you can change onto further services.

Travel passes

Explore the Scottish Borders by bus (and train) with the Borders Explorer pass. This all-in-one ticket includes rail travel to and from Edinburgh Waverley, as well as onward travel via Borders Buses from the Galashiels Transport Interchange to towns and villages including Hawick, Jedburgh, Peebles and Kelso. 

Discover the area with the Borders Explorer pass

Visit the Borders Buses website to plan your journey

Driving

You can reach the heart of the region from Edinburgh or Newcastle within two hours. 

Travel by car on a choice of routes from England. The main routes are:

The A1 in the east

The A7 or A68 in the central Borders

The A697 from the south

The most scenic route to take is the A68 at Carter Bar which takes you right into the heart of the region. 

Plan your trip on the Scotland Starts Here website

Getting around

Walking

The Scottish Borders is criss-crossed by a multitude of footpaths and long distance routes, making the most of the wide-open spaces and fantastic scenery.

Major long distance routes include the Southern Upland Way, linking the Dumfries & Galloway coast in the west to the Berwickshire coast in the eastern Scottish Borders, and St Cuthbert’s Way, stretching from Melrose all the way across the border with England to the island of Lindisfarne.

Walk Highlands is a great resource for walks of various lengths across Midlothian and the Scottish Borders for keen walkers and novices alike, and there are lots of walking routes for the Scottish Borders on the Scotland Starts Here website.

Cycling

Road biking is great for accessibility, and there are plenty of routes in the Scottish Borders that offer leisurely and quiet trails for groups and families. You will find many bike related services concentrated along the most popular routes, with a variety of major National Cycle Routes, such as Routes 1 and 7.

Bus and coach

Lothian Buses run regularly from Edinburgh to Midlothian and beyond, while Borders Buses serve Edinburgh, Midlothian as well as major Borders towns such as Peebles, Hawick, Selkirk, Kelso and Galashiels, the area’s main transport hub. From Galashiels Transport Interchange, you can change onto a variety of local services, which can take you as far as Berwick-upon-Tweed in the east and Carlisle to the west, making day trips especially easy.

 

Driving

The A1 in the east and the A7 and A68 all run through the central Borders while an extensive network of minor roads ensure all towns are within easy reach of one another. 

Why not take one of the scenic driving routes and trails the area has to offer?

  • Follow the Borders Historic Route for the most picturesque journey.
  • Motorsport fans can pay homage to the former Formula One racing legend, Jim Clark, on the Jim Clark Trail.

The Green House, accommodation in Selkirk

Places to stay in the Scottish Borders

Book a self-catering cottage on a farm, stay in a charming town hotel or see if there's a castle fit for all the family.

  • Accommodation in the south of Scotland

SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel

© Fly Fishing Nation / Marina Gibson

Places to eat in the Scottish Borders

With its lush landscapes and fertile farmlands, the Scottish Borders has plenty of fresh produce and delicious local food to enjoy. 

  • Explore food and drink options in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders by area

From rolling hillsides and tranquil valleys to picturesque coastlines and charming towns, get to know the Scottish Borders and discover its scenic trails, historic landmarks and vibrant local culture.

Berwickshire Coast

Explore the rugged coastline of Berwickshire Coast, admire stunning views and meet the seals and dolphins that inhibit the local waters.

Berwickshire and the Lammermuirs

Explore the links to famous historical Scots, enjoy Common Ridings, and play great golf courses.

Eildon and Leaderdale

From Abbotsford to Melrose Abbey, get to know the stories of this fascinating area of the Scottish Borders.

Selkirk and the Valleys

There is no shortage of great things to discover, from Bowhill House to local delicacies such as the Selkirk Bannock.

Teviot, Eskdale and Liddesdale

Try mountain biking trails at 7Stanes Newcastleton, or explore Hawick's connection to textile industry, there's plenty to see and do!

The Cheviots

Take an alpaca for a walk, or venture to Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland - the possibilities are endless!

The Tweed Valley

World-class mountain biking, great salmon fishing, fantastic walking routes, incredible heritage and history - the choice is yours!

Peebles and the River Tweed viewed from Priorsford Footbridge

Peebles and the River Tweed viewed from Priorsford Footbridge

Find information on accessible trips

Find everything you need to plan an accessible break in the Scottish Borders, from places to stay and eat to ideas for things to see and do.

  • AccessAble Guide - South of Scotland
  • Euan's Guide - Scottish Borders

Explore nearby

Explore the Scottish Borders and beyond, with itineraries and recommendations that take you through south Scotland and into the Lothians and Clyde Valley.

Edinburgh & The Lothians

Discover the Lothians region and the city of Edinburgh, with holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information and maps & fantastic things to see & do.

Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway sits in the south west corner of Scotland. It's great for outdoor activities and historic attractions.

Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

Discover what there is to see and do as well as recommendations for accommodation and eating out, events, unique experiences, travel tips, and more.

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