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Guidebook to the Borders Abbeys Way, a 68 mile circuit in the Scottish Borders, taking in 4 of Britain's grandest ruined medieval abbeys. Beginning and ending in Tweedbank, the route, which is described over 6 stages, is as rich in history as it is in pastoral charm. Relatively flat, it is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness.
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The Borders Abbeys Way links four of Britain's grandest ruined medieval abbeys in the central Scottish Borders. The route is a well waymarked, 68-mile (109km) circuit and is one of Scotland's Great Trails.
The route which begins and ends in Tweedbank, is described clockwise over 6 stages averaging 11.3 miles per day. Relatively flat, it is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. The Way can be walked at any time of year and can be reached within an hour by train from the centre of Edinburgh.
This guidebook provides a comprehensive description of the route, which passes through the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk and the villages of Denholm and Newton St Boswells. In addition to clear route description and OS 1:50,000 mapping extracts, the guidebook also includes information about the history of the Borders abbeys, the ever-intriguing Borders reivers, and the region's geology and agriculture. Invaluable practical information relating to accommodation, transport, mapping and public access is also included.
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Introduction
The Borders Abbeys Way
History of the Borders abbeys
The Borders reivers
Agriculture and country estates in the Borders
Geology and nature
Getting to and from the Borders Abbeys Way
Where to stay
Maps and public access
When to go and what to take
Using this guide
The Borders Abbeys Way
Stage 1 Tweedbank to Newtown St Boswells via Melrose
Stage 2 Newtown St Boswells to Kelso
Stage 3 Kelso to Jedburgh
Stage 4 Jedburgh to Hawick
Stage 5 Hawick to Selkirk
Stage 6 Selkirk to Tweedbank
Appendix A Facilities available on each Stage of the Borders Abbeys Way
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Public transport information
Appendix D Useful contacts
Appendix E Further reading
May 2023
Abbotsford is not a National Trust property, as stated in the book.
Abbotsford is not a National Trust property, as stated in the book.
May 2021
There is currently a short and well-signed diversion on Stage 4 (Jedburgh to Hawick). Just after leaving Denholm, a landslip by the Teviot means the route is diverted up the B6405 and then first left via Hassendean Bank, before continuing with the normal route at the bend in river. It adds around half a mile to the route.
(Thank you to John and Alison McIntosh for this update)
January 2020
Accommodation.
Dryburgh Abbey hotel phone number is wrong it should read 01835 822261.
Paul Boobyer’s zest for walking and curiosity of foreign cultures led him to undertake long-distance walks in Britain, Nepal, New Zealand, Canada and Chile. He also spent time in Mongolia, where he stayed with nomadic herders and discovered how painful a traditional wooden saddle can be to the uninitiated. Returning to Scotland, Paul built mountain footpaths in the Scottish Highlands. Later, he managed footpaths whilst working as a Countryside Access Officer at Scottish Borders Council, and led guided walks during the annual Borders Walking Festival.
Paul now lives in Andalucía in Spain and often walks in the Sierra Morena hills near his home, enjoying the abundant birdlife and trying to spot European lynx.
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