The Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is perfectly positioned as perhaps the easiest destination in Scotland to reach; Edinburgh & The Lothians lie to the north, Dumfries & Galloway to the west, and Northumberland in northern England to the south.

As you explore, let the scenery make its impression on you, from rolling hills and open countryside in the west to the gentle valleys and picturesque Berwickshire coastline in the east. The region is defined as much by the landscape as it is by its spellbinding abbeys, awe-inspiring stately homes and castles, and the time-honoured and truly unique Common Ridings. It's really no surprise that these lands inspired the works of literary greats like Sir Walter Scott and John Buchan.

But what will surprise you is that there are plenty of thrills to be had for those who dare; adrenaline-pumping mountain biking can be experienced at two world-class 7stanes centres, plus there's off-road quad biking, archery, surfing and treetop adventures - not to mention some of the very best cycling and walking opportunities you'll find in Scotland. Keep the pace leisurely with a round of golf or cast your line as you try angling on the rivers. Whatever you choose to do, you'll find that the Scottish Borders really is a most wonderful place to unwind and get away from it all.

Scottish Borders Travel Information

How to get to the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is so simple to get to it's no wonder people return here time and again. Spanning 1,800 square miles, it sits just south of Edinburgh & The Lothians, to the north east of Dumfries & Galloway and borders with Northumberland in the north of England.

By road

Whether you drive or take the bus from north or south, it won't take long - 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 four main routes are the A1 in the east, the A7 and A68 in the central borders and the A697 from the south. The most scenic route to take - where you can marvel at the beautiful scenery the second you reach the Scottish Borders - is the A68 at Carter Bar which takes you right into the heart of the region.

By train 

The Scottish Borders is accessible by train on the East Coast main line between London and Edinburgh, which stops at nearby Dunbar and North Berwick in East Lothian, and in Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is located just across the border with England.

The new Borders Railway makes the region more accessible than ever. Connecting Edinburgh with Tweedbank, the line allows for a journey time of just under an hour and calls at 10 charming towns in both Midlothian and the Borders. 

Borders Explorer all-in-one ticket

Visit and explore the Scottish Borders by train and bus 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.

How to get around the Scottish Borders

Enjoy the freedom of travelling in your own car or take the stress out of getting from place to place by making use of the excellent public transport links.

By car

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.

Driving Routes

Follow the Borders Historic Route for the most picturesque journey. Stretching 95 miles (152 km), this romantic route takes in the region's historic homes, market towns and royal burghs along the way.

Motorsport fans can pay homage to the former Formula One racing legend, Jim Clark, on the Jim Clark Trail. Departing from the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns, the route travels through beautiful Scottish Borders countryside to Chirnside, Jim Clark’s home village and final resting place, and Berwick-Upon-Tweed, before looping back round to the starting point.

For an immersive experience, download the Reivers Road app for GPS triggered audio trails around the Scottish Borders. These paid-for trails will take you on a tour of the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, uncovering intriguing stories and hidden gem attractions along the way.

By public transport

You could always sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving. Take one of the many bus services Borders Buses runs between the towns.