The Scottish Borders

From the rolling hills and moorland in the west to the gentle valleys and picturesque Berwickshire coastline in the east, it is easy to see why Sir Walter Scott was so enamoured with this peaceful region that he chose to build his beloved house, Abbotsford here.

Walking in this enthralling landscape, you can't help but imagine yourself transported back to the bygone world of Scott's sweeping romantic epics filled with daring outlaws and damsels in distress.

Historic heartland

The Scottish Borders has a colourful past which belies its serene landscape. The many stately homes, haunting castles and four magnificent abbeys are testament to its rich and occasionally turbulent history.

This unique heritage is kept alive at these wonderfully preserved monuments and through time-honoured traditions like the Common Ridings, the oldest horse-riding festival in the world.

The perfect balance

Many retreat to the Scottish Borders for a gentler pace of life filled with revitalising outdoor pursuits and sports including fishing, golf and walking. But it's not all peace and quiet. Alongside these more sedate activities there is riveting mountain biking to be had at the two 7stanes centres as well as off-road quad biking, archery and tree-top adventures at Go Ape!

Natural larder

The region's picturesque rural setting and unspoilt coastline means that local chefs don't have to look far for sourcing tantalisingly fresh fruit and vegetables from nearby farms, succulent meats from locally-reared livestock and freshly-caught seafood.

There's an abundance of tasty food and drink in the Scottish Borders - take one of the area's foodie trails and get stuck in!

Travel in the Scottish Borders

Getting here

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 and to the north east of Dumfries & Galloway.

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. 

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. 

Getting around

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.

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.

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.

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.