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.

Overview profile

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

Seasons

This multi-day walk can be done at any time of year, although between early spring and the end of autumn you will have more hours of daylight.

Centres

Melrose, Newtown St Boswells, Kelso, Jedburgh, Denholm, Hawick and Selkirk.

Difficulty

Low level and easy walking on the first three stages. The following three stages involve some inclines, but none that are demanding for people with a moderate level of fitness. Most of the route is off-road, but there are some stretches along quiet, minor roads.

Must See

A circuit incorporating four of Scotland's most impressive ruined medieval abbeys. Follow in the monks' footsteps on riverside paths, forest tracks and open hills where great views abound. This route traverses part of the Tweed Valley before heading up to rolling hills. The variety of terrain will delight any walker.

May 2023

Abbotsford

May 2021

Stage 4 diversion

January 2020

Appendix B - St Boswells

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