34 Activities
Scottish Borderlands Adventure: Castles, Abbeys, and Coast
Starts from
Edinburgh
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
34
Duration
3 days
Length
182 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Edinburgh
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
3 days
Length
182 mi
Heather Cole
Travel Expert
- Take eye-catching photos at ancient abbeys.
- Walk along clifftops to hidden coves.
- Discover where Sir Walter Scott wrote his poetry.
- Soak up views that few tourists get to see.
- Travel back in time at medieval castles.
Leave the glitz of Edinburgh far behind as you venture deep into the Scottish Borders, once the stomping ground of cattle rustlers and local lairds. History has left its mark on this rural region, with ancient tower houses and castles hidden around every corner. You'll discover how writer Sir Walter Scott and royal Mary Queen of Scots both played a part in the area's heritage, with visits to iconic abbeys and medieval houses both on the cards
Breathe in the fresh sea air during a panoramic walk along the cliffs at St. Abbs Head, where sea bird colonies wait to greet you in the summer. Secret coves and smuggling tales add a little extra magic to this grand Scottish adventure.
Breathe in the fresh sea air during a panoramic walk along the cliffs at St. Abbs Head, where sea bird colonies wait to greet you in the summer. Secret coves and smuggling tales add a little extra magic to this grand Scottish adventure.
Leave the glitz of Edinburgh far behind as you venture deep into the Scottish Borders, once the stomping ground of cattle rustlers and local lairds. History has left its mark on this rural region, with ancient tower houses and castles hidden around every corner. You'll discover how writer Sir Walter Scott and royal Mary Queen of Scots both played a part in the area's heritage, with visits to iconic abbeys and medieval houses both on the cards
Breathe in the fresh sea air during a panoramic walk along the cliffs at St. Abbs Head, where sea bird colonies wait to greet you in the summer. Secret coves and smuggling tales add a little extra magic to this grand Scottish adventure.
Breathe in the fresh sea air during a panoramic walk along the cliffs at St. Abbs Head, where sea bird colonies wait to greet you in the summer. Secret coves and smuggling tales add a little extra magic to this grand Scottish adventure.
Heather Cole
Travel Expert
- Take eye-catching photos at ancient abbeys.
- Walk along clifftops to hidden coves.
- Discover where Sir Walter Scott wrote his poetry.
- Soak up views that few tourists get to see.
- Travel back in time at medieval castles.
Travel itinerary
12 Activities
Day 1
93 mi6 mi
Clifftop Castles, Hidden Harbours, and a Seabird Hike
Your day begins with a foray to one of the most dramatically situated castles in Scotland. A secret cove adventure and a walk along the clifftops at St. Abbs Head follows, where coastal scenery and sea birds capture the imagination. Next up is the historic harbour town of Eyemouth, before it's time to head inland, into the heart of the rural Scottish Borderlands.
22:00
13 Activities
Day 2
27 mi3 mi
Border Abbeys, a Grand Castle, and Jedburgh Jail
Walk in the footsteps of the tragic Mary Queen of Scots on this meandering road trip around Kelso and Jedburgh. You'll visit a couple of the crumbling abbey ruins that have made this region so famous, and pop into Floors Castle to see how the other half live. A historic jail, a medieval tower house, and a handful of monuments conclude this delightful journey through time.
19:15
9 Activities
Day 3
43 mi0.3 mi
Views and Viaducts in the Land of Sir Walter Scott
Your final day exploring the Borders sees you in Melrose, which is home to Robert the Bruce's heart, and Sir Walter Scott's house. You'll discover traditional peel towers and picturesque gardens before taking in a last abbey. Then it's time to meander back up to Edinburgh, weary but wowed.
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