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Selkirk is a small town lying 6 miles south of Galashiels on the A7 on a hill above the Ettrick Water. It was originally a thriving tweed mill town although this industry is now much reduced. The main visitor attraction is Halliwell's House Museum (free entry, open April to October) which was built in 1712 and hosts exhibitions of local historical interest with an adjoining art gallery. Sir Walter Scott's Court Room (where he was sheriff for over 30 years) displays an exhibition of his life and literary work and provides background information on Mungo Park, the local explorer and anti-slavery advocate who died in his attempt to find the River Niger.
You can view glass-blowing at the Selkirk Glass Visitor Centre which has a shop and café, and nearby Twist Glass Studio offers a range of contemporary glassware. Selkirk has a fitness centre and tennis courts.
Around Selkirk
Follow the B7009 west out of the town up the Ettrick Valley. The 16th century Aikwood Tower has an exhibition of the life of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd. Further on, you reach the tiny village of Ettrickbridge from where you can take a variety of walks followed by lunch or evening meal at the fascinating old pub (Cross Keys Hotel). If you take the A708 west of Selkirk (parallel to the B7009) through the Yarrow valley, you reach Bowhill House, the home of the Duke of Buccleuch, which has a fine collection of art and antique furniture. There is a small theatre in the courtyard and extensive grounds including an adventure playground, cycle trails (can be hired) and pleasant walks.
Continue along the A708 towards the youth hostel near Yarrowford from where you can walk up the 464-metre high Three Brethern which commands magnificent views of the Borders. The A708 leads eventually leads you to St. Mary's Loch where you can swim, sail and have a snack at the café or a bar meal at the Tibbie Shiels Inn before attempting the steep climb on the narrow path beside the 200-foot Grey Mare's Tail (a waterfall), about 6 miles south, or joining the Southern Upland Way.
Information
In Selkirk, the tourist information is located within Halliwell's Museum. The Selkirk library is open five days a week and until 12.30pm on Saturdays.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
is a traditional 19thC south-facing stone cottage, set in its own half-acre garden, a half-mile by track from the B709 linking Innerleithen (7miles) to St. Mary's Loch (5miles), 14 miles from the flourishing town of Peebles, it is attractively decorated and furnished and enjoys stunning views.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
A real little picture-book house tucked away in the Border hills, with a stream tumbling through the garden and under a picturesque little hump-backed bridge, Wollrig Cottage is sure to delight those looking for a peaceful and comfortable base from which to explore this delightful and accessible area.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
Tucked away among the green Border hills, and right alongside the tumbling Alewater, is Burnfoot Cottage. With golf, riding, fishing and (most importantly?) a pub all within a couple of miles, it is sure to be a favourite both with those seeking an energetic holiday and those wishing simply to relax in lovely surroundings
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
Beech Cottage is a traditional terraced cottage, part of an old stables complex, which stands in a peaceful and secluded situation on the private Linthill Estate near Melrose in the central Borders.
Sleeps: 4 (5) , Bedrooms: 2
In the heart of Walter Scott's romantic Border country, tucked away at the end of a quiet country road and yet just a few minutes drive from the pretty Border towns of Melrose and Selkirk, is Steading Cottage at Whitmuir, a superb conversion of an old granary which is both luxurious and full of character.
Sleeps: 5, Bedrooms: 3
Tucked away at the end of a country lane, yet just a few minutes drive from Selkirk and Melrose in the lovely Scottish Borders, Knowpark Cottage at Whitmuir is a bright and cosy cottage, which has wonderful vews across open country to Rubislaw and the Cheviots beyond.
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