The Scottish Borders encompass some of southern Scotland’s most inviting and varied walking landscapes, from the rugged Berwickshire coast and dramatic headlands to gentle river terraces and rolling hill country. 

Historic abbeys, looming castle ruins and tranquil market towns punctuate a patchwork of rivers, forest trails and open hillsides, making this region a brilliant destination for day walks suitable for all abilities. 

15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders brings together 15 of the best shorter circular day walks, each between 6 and 11.5km (4–7 miles) and all achievable in around three hours. Designed for easy to moderate walking without complicated navigation or challenging terrain, this guidebook is ideal if you’re new to walking, exploring with family, or simply looking for refreshing outdoor adventures close to towns and villages.

• These 15 carefully selected walks showcase the breadth of the Scottish Borders — from coastal paths at St Abb’s Head and Eyemouth Shores to hilltop viewpoints at Wideopen Hill and the Eildon Hills, and scenic riverside strolls around Kelso and Peebles
• Easy-to-follow route descriptions are paired with clear Ordnance Survey maps and numbered points that tie maps to the text, helping you navigate confidently across the varied terrain of the Borders
• A comprehensive route summary table and practical details on parking, facilities and local highlights, including the grand houses of Paxton and the ancient abbey of Jedburgh, allow you to choose walks that perfectly match your time and interests 
• Walks start from towns such as Eyemouth, Kelso, Melrose, Selkirk and Peebles, allowing you to complete multiple routes straight from your accommodation, plus walks are easily accessible by public transport from Berwick and Edinburgh
• Downloadable GPX files provide an optional digital navigation aid while exploring the Scottish Borders

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guidebook combines expert route planning with practical advice and local insight. Whether on a day trip from Edinburgh, or taking a short holiday in southern Scotland, 15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders is the ideal companion for discovering the area’s dramatic coast, rolling countryside, historic landmarks and rich Borders heritage at an easy, relaxed pace.

15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders - Quick Facts

Guide name: 15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders
Location: Scottish Borders, Southern Scotland, UK 
Total walks: 15 short day walks
Typical duration: 1.5–4 hours per walk
Distance range: 6–11.5 km (4–7 miles) per walk
Walk type: Circular and linear walks — coastal paths, hilltop viewpoints, riverside strolls, woodland trails, and historic towns
Navigation: 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps and numbered route descriptions; downloadable GPX files available
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for all abilities; no technical sections
Terrain: Coastal cliffs, rolling hills, river valleys, woodland, farmland, market towns and villages
Highlights: St Abb’s Head, Eyemouth Shores, Eildon Hills, Wideopen Hill, Kelso, Peebles, Jedburgh Abbey, Paxton House, Melrose, Selkirk, Hawick
Best season: All-year walking; spring and summer for wildflowers, autumn for colourful foliage, winter for dramatic coastal and hill views

Author Highlight

“The walking in this area is comparatively gentle – much gentler than the Scottish Highlands, say. Paths are generally good, and those alongside the great rivers give walking that’s virtually flat. The hills visited – mostly within that wide Tweed valley – offer wide views and upland atmosphere while remaining modest in height.”

- Ronald Turnbull, author of 15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders

Location of walks

Map key

Using this guide

Route summary table

Introduction

The walks

Walk 1 Cove and Cockburnspath 

Walk 2 St Abbs Head 

Walk 3 Eyemouth Shores 

Walk 4 Edin's Hall Broch 

Walk 5 Paxton House and the Tweed 

Walk 6 Kelso and Roxburgh 

Walk 7 Wideopen Hill 

Walk 8 Waterloo Monument 

Walk 9 St Boswells 

Walk 10 Eildon Hills (challenging) 

Walk 11 Abbotsford to Cauldshiels Loch 

Walk 12 Hawick and Vertish Hill 

Walk 13 Bowhill House 

Walk 14 Peebles and Neidpath Castle 

Walk 15 Cademuir Hill 

Useful information

Seasons

Year-round, although some paths may be muddy in autumn and winter.

Centres

Coldingham, Eyemouth, Duns, Kelso, the Yetholms, Jedburgh, St Boswells, Melrose, Galashiels, Hawick, Selkirk, Peebles

Difficulty

Some of the walks are on smooth, well-maintained paths, others maybe rougher and even a little overgrown in high summer. One walk (Wideopen Hill) is on open grassy hilltops, and the Eildon Hills walk has a steep ascent.

Must See

Berwickshire coast and the great River Tweed; birds of St Bees; Edin’s Hall Broch; ruined abbeys of Melrose and Dryburgh; Newark and Neidpath Castles; grand houses and gardens at Paxton, Melrose, Abbotsford and Bowhill; early Victorian town centres of Hawick and Peebles.

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