The Scottish Borders

What a beautiful area...

• Unique, historic towns to explore

• Fantastic pubs and restaurants

• Salmon, and trout  fishing on Tweed & tributaries

• Cycling, walking, golfing, horse-riding, nature

• Border abbeys, historic houses, castles and gardens

• Coastal wildlife and wonderful beaches

Kelso, in the heart of reiver country, is the perfect base for exploring the borders and all its interesting history, geography, sports facilities and relaxing activities.  The area is well catered for in terms of cafes, restaurants and unique shops in the charming Border Towns.  The Scottish Borders is renowned for salmon fishing - Kelso boasts the world famous Junction Pool on the river Tweed.  There is also good brown trout fishing on the river Tweed and its tributaries.  The Eden can offer good grayling fishing - free to guests by arrangement with Archie or Maggie.

Cycling is a pleasure on the quiet border roads whether following the Sustrans national Cycleway, the Tweed Cycleway or making up your own route.  There are plenty walking routes to suit all abilities and show off the magnificent border scenery.  St Cuthberts Way, the Southern Upland Way, along the coast from St Abbs to Eyemouth, the Eildon Hills and many others routes in the Cheviots.  A local riverside walk is available on the farm, click here for a map.     Golfing in the borders is varied and uncrowded.  The Roxburghe Championship course is ten minutes drive.  There is an 18 hole course in Kelso and another at the Hirsel, just outside Coldstream.  There are 22 golf courses in the Scottish Borders, offering a Freedom of the fairways package which offers a good discount. 

The historic houses and gardens of all periods throughout the area, from Abbottsford, the beloved home of Sir Walter Scott to Mellerstain, the finest complete Adam house in Scotland, to Manderson with its silver staircase and Floors Castle and its wonderful walled gardens.  The ruins of the great Abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh stand testament to more troubled times.  The unspoilt berwickshire and Northumberland coast offers St Abbs national nature reserve noted for its magnificent birdlife and managed by the National Trust for Scotland.  Tantallon Castle, Holy Island, the Farne Isles, Bamburgh castle, and many beautiful beaches are within an easy drive from Edmonston House and Plum Braes Barn.