The Borders Abbeys Way

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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Overview

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.

Table of Contents

Contents
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

Updates

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May 2021

Stage 4 diversion

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

Appendix B - St Boswells

Accommodation.

Dryburgh Abbey hotel phone number is wrong it should read 01835 822261.

Reviews

Helpful

The 68-mile circular Borders Abbeys way connects the medieval abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh and attracts thousands of walkers every year, who explore the riverside tracks, forest paths and open hills of the Tweed Valley.

Far from being an imposing long-distance route, as Paul Boobyer shows us, the Way can be accessed by everyone, from those wanting a stand-alone day walk to people tackling the full route in stages. The book presents the walk in six stages, each of which averages a manageable eleven miles a day.

The helpful introduction gives an overview of the route and its history, as well as the history of the region (including the Border Reivers) and each of the four abbeys. There are also suggestions for people who would like to coincide their visit with a local festival such as Borders Book Festival or one of the traditions Ridings ceremonies.

The walk is divided into six stages:

1. Tweedbank to Newtown St Boswells via Melrose

2. Newtown St Boswells to Kelso

3. Kelso to Jedburgh

4. Jedburgh to Hawick

5. Hawick to Selkirk

6. Selkirk to Tweedbank

Each section has a route summary, maps, photos and detailed instructions for the section in question. Box outs within the main text draw your attention to historical details and attractions en route. There are also suggestions on places to eat and accommodation.

There are also helpful suggestions about what to see along the way if you decide to take a break from the trail.

Happily, the author has considered those who are exploring the Way using public transport and includes bus and train details for the route, together with bus numbers and operators for the towns covered along the route. There are also further reading suggestions for the history of the Borders regions and the abbeys.

History Scotland

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Downloads

GPX files

Sample Route

Trade Information