| Distance (km) | Ascent (metres) | Number of days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | 1300 | 5 - 6 | |
| Start: Melrose or Jedburgh | Finish: Melrose or Jedburgh | ||
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Linked to other Scotland’s Great Trail(s): Cross Borders Drove Road Romans and Reivers Route St Cuthbert’s Way Southern Upland Way |
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Books
Below we list printed maps and/or guidebooks in ascending order of cover price: click image or title for more info. To add or alter any items in this list, please Contact us.
Route type/direction
Circuit: can be started anywhere, but Melrose is now close to the Borders Railway terminus at Tweedbank. Previously it was more common to start at Jedburgh.
The route is usually walked clockwise, because many people think this direction optimises the views.
Overview
A wonderful circuit through historic towns and villages of the Scottish Borders, featuring the magnificent ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh, and passing Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). The scenery includes some long sections beside the Rivers Tweed and Teviot, as well as more rugged hilly sections, and there are excellent chances of sighting wildlife in these peaceful settings.
Highlights
- historical interest of visiting four major ruined abbeys
- riverside scenery of two fine fishing rivers, the Tweed and the Teviot
- views from the high ground towards the Cheviots
- friendly Borders pubs, cafés and B&Bs
Be aware
- in poor visibility, the section on Black Hill may need map-and-compass competence
- some sections include tarmac roads and farm tracks, but less than many long routes
The challenge
The route is well waymarked, and generally well-suited to inexperienced walkers. Although it can be walked in five days, the first section (Melrose/Kelso) is long (18 miles/29 km) and most people split it by going slightly off-route to overnight at St Boswells (for a six-day itinerary). The overall altitude gain is moderate (1300m/4265ft) and most of the terrain is sound underfoot. But allow enough time to enjoy the ruined abbeys and other side-trips.
Accommodation
The Way passes through attractive villages with welcoming B&Bs, and most villages have a range of accommodation choices including B&Bs and hotels. However, some are closed out of season, most are busy in season and advance booking is essential. For online information and booking, try VisitScotland or go to one of the three iCentres on the route, at Jedburgh, Hawick or Kelso.
There are camping options, both at commercial and at free campsites (basic or no facilities). Wild camping is legal in Scotland subject to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Support services
Of the companies listed below, Walking Support provides a dedicated baggage transfer service:
Public transport
Getting to and from the route is simplest by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, near Melrose. Local transport includes buses operated by Borders Buses, Perryman’s Buses and Peter Hogg. Local taxi firms are based in Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Galashiels and Selkirk: it is normal to charge mileage from their base, so check fares before booking.
For details, visit Traveline Scotland, or, for the entire UK, Traveline. For travel from anywhere to anywhere, try Rome2Rio.
Downloads from the Scottish Borders Council website
Visit this website to download route descriptions for sections of the route. You can also apply for a route completion certificate:
| Route completion (apply for certificate) | Download |