Views and Viaducts in the Land of Sir Walter Scott

The 15th-century Smailholm Tower was once the residence of a Border laird, with four storeys that housed both the family, and their livestock. The Borderlands were a dangerous place to live back in the day, with frequent raids by the infamous Border Reivers who made a living out of stealing cattle. To protect themselves from the villains, wealthier families built tower houses where they could hole up in times of danger, and Smailholm is a fine example. You can explore the tower and see how it would have looked centuries ago.
Book tickets here.
Free parking is avaiable onsite, just after you've driven through Sandyknowe Farm. Then it's a short walk up the hill to the tower. If it's been raining, then it may be muddy so sturdy footwear is advised.
Smailholm Tower Open Hours: April - September: daily 10:00 - 17:00
The tower is closed in winter, but you can still walk up and enjoy it from the outside.

One of the most famous panoramas in the Scottish Borders, Scott's View is nonetheless a quiet spot for a bit of peace and contemplation. The writer Sir Walter Scott himself loved this area, and used to come here, perhaps for inspiration for his next poem. You can see the landmark Eildon Hills and the River Tweed, and there's a convenient bench so you can soak up the scenery.
Free parking is available in a layby beside Scott's View.

Your final abbey of the trip is perhaps the most moving. It's here in this ruined 12th-century monastery that Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried, at the request of the warrior king himself. Melrose Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery to be built in Scotland by David I, thanks to its favourable location beside the River Tweed. Wander around the grounds and check out the lavish masonry, explore the cloisters, and climb the tower for great countryside views. Don't leave without spotting the quirky bagpipe-playing pig gargoyle, which is best viewed from the rooftop platform.
Book tickets here. There is plenty of on-road parking beside the abbey and in the town centre.
Melrose Abbey Open Hours: April - September: 10:00 - 17:00 October - March: 10:00 - 16:00

Refuel with a tasty lunch at Marmions Brasserie, where paninis and soup are the order of the day.
Check out the menu on the official website or book a table by calling 01896 822245.
Marmions Brasserie Open Hours: Lunch: daily 12:00 - 16:00

This charming walled garden is next to the abbey, and the on-street parking, in the heart of the ancient town. You can explore the apple orchards, where 70 different varieties of this traditional English fruit thrive, alongside damsons, plums, and pears. There's also a garden that was once dedicated to dried flowers, with impressive blooms in the spring and summer. There are superb views of the abbey from here too.
Entry is free. Visit the website to find out more.
Priorwood Garden Open Hours: Daily 10:00 - 17:00

After you've collected your car, it's time to visit the showpiece of the day. Former home to Scottish poet and author Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford looks just as it did when the literary giant graced these rooms. You can take an audio tour of the house and explore his living quarters, including the writing study where much of his creative work took place. Afterwards, wander around the extensive grounds and gardens, then check out the woodland trails that take you down to the banks of the River Tweed.
Buy tickets here. Paid parking is available onsite.
Abbotsford House Open Hours: Daily: 10:00 - 17:00

Follow the brown tourist sign down towards the River Tweed for stunning views of the old Leaderfoot Viaduct. It only takes a couple of minutes to get there. Take photos, pose for selfies, and try to imagine the effort that went into building this majestic arched bridge.

Sit down for a well-deserved feast at the Juniperlea Inn, which is conveniently located on the road back to Edinburgh. Here, the menu features flavours from around the world as well as local treats, with everything from sirloin steak to Scottish salmon on the menu.
Book a table here.

Return to Edinburgh after a fun-packed few days travelling around the beautiful Scottish Borders. The tranquil abbey ruins and the pretty villages seem a world away from the buzz of Scotland's capital, and as the region is still relatively little-known, you might want to keep this secret to yourself!