The Scottish Borders – Independent
This trip takes you through a beautiful area of unspoilt countryside lying an hour or so to the south of Edinburgh. The River Tweed, its tumbling tributaries and the hills that surround them, define the landscape – spectacular scenery that long played an important role in boundary skirmishes. In the east, the landscape is rolling and agricultural; westwards you enter heather-clad uplands – sheep farming country.
There is much of local interest: 12th century abbeys, large country houses and beautiful gardens. This is an area with a strong regional identity. Each Borders town has its own traditions, each its own festival. History, folklore and magic become somehow fused and, as you head westwards, the views become ever more expansive.
Duration: 5 or 8 days
Itinerary
Arrive in the market town of Kelso, with its impressive abbey and nearby Floors Castle. Kelso sits at the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot rivers.
This pretty market town with its cobbled square and Georgian architecture sits at the confluence of the River Tweed and Teviot Water. Substantially reconstructed in the 18th century and with a fine bridge across the Tweed, the town was on the main coaching route to London. The ruins of Kelso Abbey are impressive in scale. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to linger in, as well as shops to peruse.
On the square in the centre of this historic market town
Walk southwest across the original stone bridge over the River Tweed, out of town onto the banks of the River Teviot, and along former railway tracks to an uphill stretch of Dere Street, before descending into Jedburgh. An easy walk between two historic Borders abbey towns (13.4 miles, 6.5 hours).
Vibrant market town dominated by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, one of the finest late Norman buildings in Scotland (with excellent visitors’ centre!) The town has a rich history – former residents include Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and William Wordsworth. Mary Queen of Scots also once stayed here – visit the 16th-century house where she rested for a month, recovering from a fall from her horse.
Elegant stone mansion; luxuriously appointed
After an exploration of the abbey and Mary Queen of Scots’ House, climb up steadily over farm and woodland tracks leading down past the hamlet of Bedrule and on to Denholm, with fine views across the surrounding hillsides (8.1 miles, 4 hours).
The village of Denholm lies in rolling countryside. The early hamlet was plundered and burnt in 16th century English raids, so the settlement we see today dates from the 17th century. At its heart is the village green, where half weekly fairs were held.
Former bakehouse and Coaching Inn on the edge of the village green
After a short transfer by road, head north, following a stretch of Dere Street – the Roman Road between York and Scotland, along farm tracks and winding riverside paths to Dryburgh – an undulating walk, offering wonderful views from the Roman road (10.1 miles, 6 hours).
The abbey here is one of the most romantically positioned of the Borders’ Abbeys. A fine relic of Gothic architecture in pink sandstone, it is set within grounds on the banks of the River Tweed. The nearby village of St Boswells, a short way upstream from the abbey, offers a small number of shops and eateries.
Located in a wooded, private estate on the banks of the River Tweed
Visit Dryburgh Abbey if you wish, then walk up to the viewpoint, beloved of Sir Walter Scott, before descending to the Victorian viaduct at Leaderfoot, where three bridges converge. Then walk up to the viewpoints over the former Roman settlement at Trimontium, before following paths to the foot of the Eildon Hills. Walk around the northern flanks of the hills and down to Melrose, with its magnificent abbey (7.5 miles, 4 hours).
This pretty town lies at the foot of the Eildon Hills. It has long been a popular leisure destination. Nearby attractions include the extensive remains of Melrose Abbey, the magnificent mansion of Sir Walter Scott and several National Trust gardens. Melrose has a thriving centre with an abundance of small, independent shops and many good cafés and restaurants.
Friendly, centrally located, family-run hotel
Take a riverside walk before visiting Sir Walter Scott’s baronial mansion at Abbotsford. A long, steady climb over paths and farm tracks and a section of ancient drove road lead down into Selkirk, where the courthouse used by Sir Walter Scott can be found near the town square (11.6 miles, 6 hours). Optional picturesque walk along the River Ettrick to salmon jumping viewing station (4.1 miles, 2 hours).
A town with medieval roots that expanded as a centre of shoemaking before moving on to weaving during the textile industry boom of the 19th century. Sir Walter Scott was sheriff at Selkirk for thirty years. Visit the courtroom that he once presided over. Or take a lovely walk up the Ettrick Water to a salmon jumping viewing station where you can learn about the life cycle of salmon.
18th century Georgian hotel with lovely gardens
A steady, steeper climb up through the Philiphaugh Estate leads to the Three Brethren cairns, with outstanding views over the surrounding countryside. The route descends to Yair Bridge, then rises again to the hills above Galashiels, leading around the perimeter of the town with views across the valley (10 miles, 5 hours).
Known for its associations with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The town has a decidedly urban feel to it despite its relatively small population. Galashiels grew up around the textile industry, but due to its decline has recently redefined itself as a bustling Borders town. Home to the Great Tapestry of Scotland, a linear handstitched pictorial history of Scotland made up of 160 linen panels and 300 miles of wool.
Scottish Baronial mansion dating from 1869, now a family-run hotel situated in 5 acres of carefully tended gardens
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate. The ability to read a compass and/or use GPS are advised for higher sections where visibility may be limited by fog. The length of walks varies from 5 to 6 hours daily. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual do not include rest breaks, lunch or sightseeing.
Terrain: The route covers a mixture of moorland, farmland, forests and woods, generally using paths that are ideal for walking with the odd section over rougher ground. There are some ascents and descents, and some stony sections. On certain days the walk takes you into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Sturdy walking boots are recommended as are trekking poles.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate. The ability to read a compass and/or use GPS are advised for higher sections where visibility may be limited by fog. The length of walks varies from 5 to 6 hours daily. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual do not include rest breaks, lunch or sightseeing.
Terrain: The route covers a mixture of moorland, farmland, forests and woods, generally using paths that are ideal for walking with the odd section over rougher ground. There are some ascents and descents, and some stony sections. On certain days the walk takes you into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Sturdy walking boots are recommended as are trekking poles.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with the itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and where needed can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
Floors Castle, near Kelso, with its walled garden, wonderful collection of art and furniture and tea rooms. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh, it is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and is open to visitors. Entrance fee is £20 per person.
Garden visits, Melrose – Priorwood Garden with woodland area, orchard and herb garden and Harmony Garden with flowers, fruit and vegetable beds, and panoramic views of Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills, both located next to Melrose Abbey. Free entry to both.
Trimontium Museum, Melrose, houses a treasure trove of Roman artefacts excavated from nearby Trimontium, once the largest Roman fort north of Hadrian’s Wall. From £8 per person.
Halliwell’s House Museum in Selkirk, an 18C home giving a glimpse of everyday life from the period (no entry fee but a donation is welcome).
Hainingside fine art gallery, a short walk from Haliwell’s House Museum.
Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galasheils, depicting the nations culture and history. Entry ticket £12.50 per person.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Having lived in Scotland most of my life, I chose the Scottish Borders as my home over 20 years ago and have worked with ATG as their local Route Manager for the last three seasons. I love the natural beauty of the unspoilt Borders countryside and am very lucky to have this right on my doorstep. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my knowledge and fondness of nature and this area with you.
“Jane was immensely helpful in every way. I can’t say enough good things about her.”
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Local produce is plentiful in The Borders. The rivers Tweed and Teviot provide fresh salmon and trout. Lobsters are caught off the east coast alongside fresh crab, scallops and langoustine. Meat dishes include Borders lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef, a good variety of game and, of course, haggis. Be sure to visit a traditional pub, the social hub of any Scottish town. Sample the local tipple, be it a fine whisky or a refreshing pint of beer. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants and pubs en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
History
The Romans invaded the Tweed Valley in 79 AD and established a major encampment near Melrose. The Roman occupation was not lasting but their legacy endured. In the first part of the 12th century, King David I of Scotland encouraged the foundation of abbeys at Kelso, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose. Towards the end of the 13th century, a period of tranquillity and prosperity was shattered by the Scottish Wars of Independence. Borders towns, constantly changing hands, were in a battle zone. This was a time of lawlessness in the Borders, the time of the Reivers. Its turbulent past, linked with its balladry and tradition, inspired Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg (the Ettrick Shepherd). In the 19th century, the Borders were at the centre of a thriving weaving and textile industry. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of the Scottish Borders.
Flora & Fauna
There is colour on the landscape throughout the seasons: yellow gorse and carpets of bluebells in spring, flowering azaleas and rhododendron in early summer, hills clad in purple heather at the end of August followed by autumnal shades of russet and gold. Ospreys have been reintroduced into the Tweed valley, where you may also spot otters, salmon, trout and grey heron. In the woods you may see signs of roe deer, red squirrels and green woodpeckers while grouse patrol the moorlands. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Kelso:
From Edinburgh airport, take the tram to the city centre. From here there are regular trains from Waverley (Edinburgh’s central rail station) to Tweedbank. Kelso is a 30-minute taxi ride from Tweedbank. If you are arriving by train into Berwick-upon-Tweed station, take a taxi from the station to Kelso, which is about a 40-minute ride away.
Outward travel to Jedburgh:
As above from Edinburgh airport, then take a taxi from Tweedbank to Jedburgh (20 minutes). If arriving by train into Berwick-upon-Tweed station, there are buses from here to Jedburgh, or take a taxi (approx. 1 hour).
Return travel from Galashiels:
There are regular trains from Galashiels to Edinburgh Waverley station. If you are returning by train from Berwick then take a taxi from Galashiels to Berwick station (approx. 1 hour ride). There is also an infrequent bus service from Galashiels to Berwick (2 ¼ hours).
Return travel from Selkirk:
For Edinburgh, take a taxi to Galashiels Interchange (15-20 minutes) then catch a train (approx. 1 hour) or bus (1 hr 40 to 2.5 hours). A taxi from Selkirk directly to Edinburgh will take approx. 1 hour, depending on Edinburgh traffic.
If you are returning by train from Berwick then a direct taxi from Selkirk to Berwick station will take just over an hour, or travel to Galashiels Interchange for a bus (2 ¼ Hours).
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour in Scotland starts in Jedburgh and includes 3 days of walking for those looking for a dedicated walking trip. Enjoy a short break exploring the hills to the south of Edinburgh with cultural highlights including a visit to Sir Walter Scott’s mansion and Melrose Abbey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jedburgh
Day 2: Jedburgh to Dryburgh
Day 3: Dryburgh to Melrose
Day 4: Melrose to Selkirk
Day 5: Departure
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in Scotland is a more in-depth visit of the area. Starting in the market town of Kelso, keen walkers will enjoy 6 days walking through unspoilt countryside with gardens, abbeys and large country houses en route and will discover the strong regional identity of these border communities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kelso
Day 2: Kelso to Jedburgh
Day 3: Jedburgh to Denholm
Day 4: Denholm to Dryburgh
Day 5: Dryburgh to Melrose
Day 6: Melrose to Selkirk
Day 7: Selkirk to Galashiels
Day 8: Departure
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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