Scottish Borders

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On reaching the boundary between England and Scotland at Carter Bar, situated on the A68 at the Cheviot Hills, stop and absorb the magnificent panoramic view across miles of the rolling Borders countryside. The region is characterised by beautiful forested valleys in the west around Peebles, the barren but bracing Lammermuir Hills in the north, the flat plateau around Duns with clear views to The Cheviots, and the rugged coastline around St. Abbs. It is a diverse region in many ways: its natural heritage, its history, its visitor attractions and its range of activities from the gentle to the more energetic.

Of Historical Interest
Evidence of the Roman occupation (such as the Trimontium Fort) can be found at the foothills of the Eildons with an interesting exhibition in Melrose. Worth visiting are the ruins of the Border abbeys at Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso which were founded in the 12th century (Melrose Abbey is said to contain the heart of Robert the Bruce). Constant battles were fought over the border between England and Scotland in the 16th century. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, clan feudings were characterised by cattle-rustling and regular attacks by the Borders Reviers (outlaws) on each others' castles and keeps, the ruins of many of which are still standing. This period is commemorated by the colourful Common Ridings in many Border towns during the summer months, involving calvacades of horses led by an elected principal man and a week of various festivities.

Mary Queen of Scots spent some time in Jedburgh in the 16th century en route to visit her future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, at Hermitage Castle. Her house in Jedburgh provides interesting displays and information.

A visit to Abbotsford House near Melrose, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is a must for the literary-minded. There are also many other stately homes in the Borders (all built by the Adam family), such as Floors Castle and Mellerstain House near Kelso, Manderston House near Duns and Paxton House near Eyemouth. The 15th century Traquair House in the west of the region, near Innerleithen and Peebles, is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and is full of interesting features (including a priest's hiding hole).

Leisure Activities
For those seeking some exercise, the choice is abundant. The 88 mile Tweed cycleway from Biggar to Berwick-on-Tweed leads you through the peaceful and beautiful countryside close to the river but for the more energetic, the internationally famous mountain bike course at Glentress, near Peebles, provides for a varied and challenging day out.

There are many varied walks throughout the Borders. For those with stamina, try different sections of the 60 mile St. Cuthbert's Way which passes through the Borders, ending at Lindisfarne on the Holy Island off the coast of northern Northumberland. You can also select either short or long stretches of the 212 mile Southern Upland Way, which originates in Portpatrick on the west coast and passes through the Borders to Cockburnspath in the east - leaflets available from tourist offices indicate the duration and grade/severity of these walks. The Pennine Way ends at Kirk Yetholm and walkers' thirst can be quenched at the local inn which is full of local memorabilia, particularly about the gypsies.

There are both 9 and 18-hole golf courses throughout the Borders where visitors are made most welcome, the most famous being the Roxburgh. For a more leisurely way to spend a day, there is good fishing on the River Tweed and its tributaries. The Borders is renowned for its international Rugby Sevens and the Melrose Sevens on the second Saturday of April draws a huge crowd and creates an exciting and fun atmosphere late into the night.

Travel
The main roads into the Borders from England are mainly accessed via Newcastle - the A1 on the east coast, the A697 to Coldstream and the A68 which takes you to Jedburgh - but there is also a link from the west: the A7 from Carlisle to Hawick. The only railway line through the Borders is on the east coast, with Berwick being the nearest station, about one hour's drive from central Borders. There are several bus companies which operate throughout the Borders and to Edinburgh - timetables are available from tourist offices and libraries. First Bus offers a Rover ticket which offers a day of unlimited travel throughout the Borders. The Borders provides a good base for day trips to other parts of Scotland. For example, Edinburgh is about one hour's drive and Glasgow about one and three-quarters hours. Day trips to the Kielder Water in the Northumberland National Park and to Newcastle are also easily accomplished.