5 Walks in the Scottish Borders
Discover 5 walks in the Scottish Borders. From rolling hills to dramatic coastline, the Borders has it all.
The famous rolling hills of the Borders
The Scottish Borders is one of Scotland’s most rewarding regions for walking. Rolling hills, dramatic viewpoints, historic abbeys and quiet riverside paths make it a paradise for hikers who want big scenery without big crowds.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay in the south of Scotland, these 5 walks showcase the very best of the Borders landscape.
1. The Eildon Hills
The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills rise above the town of Melrose and offer one of the most iconic panoramas in the region.
Why it’s special:
- Sweeping 360° views across the Tweed Valley
- A clear day reveals layers of rolling farmland and distant Cheviots
- Manageable ascent with a rewarding summit
This walk is short but steep in places, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. At the top, you’ll understand exactly why this landscape inspires such loyalty — it’s expansive, peaceful, and distinctly Borders.
Distance: Approx. 4–5 km (circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Where to stay:
Burts Hotel & The Townhouse in Melrose offer relaxing accommodation and great local food in drink in the heart of Melrose.
2. St Cuthberts Way
If you’re looking for a longer-distance trail rich in history, St Cuthbert’s Way is hard to beat.
Stretching from Melrose to Lindisfarne, this route links abbeys, farmland, moorland, and coastline.
Why it’s special:
- A blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty
- Varied terrain from riverbanks to open hills
- A powerful sense of journey and destination
You don’t need to complete the full route to enjoy it. Sections around the River Tweed make for beautiful day walks.
Distance: 100 km (full route)
Difficulty: Moderate (varies by section)
Along the route, you can stay at:
The Townhouse Hotel – A stylish, welcoming hotel in Melrose’s Market Square — ideal for your base before or after a day’s walk.
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel – Traditional hotel with refined rooms and dining, near where the route follows the River Tweed eastward.
The Farmhouse at Kirkyetholm – A cosy B&B in Kirkyetholm.
The Ship Inn at Lindisfarne (Holy Island) – it even has a gin distillery!
3. Grey Mare’s Tail
For something more dramatic, head to Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat. Technically, it’s Dumfries & Galloway, but with it being so near to our distillery, we couldn’t not share.
One of the UK’s tallest waterfalls, it plunges 60 metres into a steep-sided valley carved by glaciers.
Why it’s special:
- Spectacular waterfall views
- Steep, scenic climb beside the cascade
- Wild, open upland landscapes
The climb is challenging but short, and the views from above — particularly across Loch Skeen — are unforgettable.
Distance: 2–6 km depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
4. Scott’s View
Sometimes the most memorable walks are the simplest. Scott’s View, overlooking the River Tweed near Melrose, is a short stroll with one of the finest outlooks in southern Scotland.
Named after Sir Walter Scott, this viewpoint captures the essence of the Borders: river curves, wooded banks, and distant hills layered into the horizon.
Why it’s special:
- Easy access and short walking distance
- Classic Borders scenery
- Ideal for sunset photography
Distance: Under 2 km
Difficulty: Easy
5. The Cheviots
For those who want space and solitude, the Cheviot Hills (pronounced Chee-vee-ot) offer vast open terrain along the England–Scotland border.
The ascent of The Cheviot (the highest peak in the range) provides a true sense of wilderness.
Why it’s special:
- Big skies and quiet trails
- Rolling upland scenery
- A real escape from busy routes elsewhere in Scotland
This is a longer, more demanding hike, best suited to experienced walkers with appropriate kit.
Distance: 13–20 km depending on route
Difficulty: Challenging
Why the Scottish Borders is special for hiking
Unlike some of Scotland’s busier hiking regions, the Scottish Borders offers:
- Fewer crowds
- Accessible yet varied terrain
- A strong connection between landscape and local communities
- Rolling agricultural scenery alongside dramatic natural features
It’s a region where you can climb a hill in the morning, walk beside a river in the afternoon, and still find a quiet table in a local pub by evening.
Pictured: Borders Malt & Rye
Final Thoughts
From the iconic Eildon Hills to the remote Cheviots, these 5 amazing walks in the Scottish Borders showcase just how diverse this landscape truly is. Whether you’re seeking panoramic viewpoints, historic trails, waterfalls, or wide-open uplands, the Borders delivers.
If you’re planning a visit, these routes are the perfect way to experience the scenery that defines this part of Scotland — unspoilt, expansive, and full of character.
FAQs
When is the best time to go walking in the Scottish Borders?
The Scottish Borders is a year-round walking destination, but late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the most reliable weather and longer daylight hours.
Spring brings fresh green landscapes and quieter trails, while autumn offers rich colours across the hills and valleys. Winter walks can be beautiful, particularly on clear days, but higher routes like the Cheviot Hills require proper preparation and suitable gear.
ARE THE WALKS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes — there is a wide range of difficulty.
Short routes such as Scott’s View are ideal for beginners or families, while climbs like the Eildon Hills offer a moderate challenge with rewarding views.
For experienced hikers, upland routes in the Cheviots provide longer, more demanding terrain.
do I need special equipment?
For shorter walks and well-marked paths, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are usually sufficient.
For longer or more remote routes — particularly in upland areas — you should carry:
- Emergency supplies
- Food and water
- Waterproof layers
- Navigation tools
Weather in southern Scotland can change quickly, especially on exposed hills.
ARE THE TRAILS WELL SIGNPOSTED?
Many popular routes, including sections of St Cuthbert’s Way, are clearly waymarked. However, upland and remote areas may have minimal signage.
It is always advisable to carry a map, particularly if you plan to venture beyond established paths.
CAN I COMBINE WALKING WITH VISITING LOCAL ATTRACTIONS?
Absolutely. One of the strengths of the Scottish Borders is how closely its scenery connects to historic towns and cultural landmarks. Walks around Melrose, for example, can easily be paired with visits to local cafés, shops, or heritage sites.
This balance of open landscape and welcoming communities makes the region especially appealing for weekend breaks.
IS THE SCOTTISH BORDERS LESS CROWDED?
Generally, yes. Compared to more famous Highland destinations, the Borders offers expansive scenery without the same volume of visitors. This makes it ideal for those seeking quieter trails and a more relaxed pace.
THE BORDERS, BOTTLED.
Explore our range of experimental Blended Scotch Whiskies, Borders Gin & Vodka.
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The Long & Short of it£35.00 -
Borders Malt & Rye£35.00 -
Puffing Billy Steam Vodka£30.00 -
Kerr’s Gin£30.00
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