Borders Abbeys Way Walking Holidays

Walking the Borders Abbeys Way

The Borders Abbeys Way walk links historically significant 12^th century abbeys placed at Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso. The abbeys have held host to a long history of travellers throughout the ages.

On quieter paths, you can trace the medieval routes of monks between the four borders abbeys. The route navigates farmland, forest and high moorland with fantastic panoramic views over the surrounding hills.

Take the ascent along old drovers' roads as well as the tracks and escape routes of the notorious 15^th and 16^th century Border Reivers. The final section of your walk follows the riverside paths of the Tweed as it meets its confluence with the River Teviot, past Kelso. From here, the path follows the River Teviot most of the way back to Jedburgh.

Path Walkthrough

River banks, farm track and minor roads, with the going fairly gentle underfoot. Occasionally there are more strenuous sections following old cattle droving paths up the slopes, but these are generally rewarded with extensive views over the Eildon hills. Long stretches of this route are along the banks of the rivers Tweed and Teviot.

Your path begins where the Teviot and Tweed converge, breaking off from the confluence to follow the Tweed toward Hawick. Past the old gaol, this section up to Black Law is the largest ascent of the entire route, with further climbs up to Selwick. From here on the terrain is more level. Walking from Melrose to Kelso, the route follows the river Tweed, and it's worth taking a detour at St Boswell's to visit The Temple of the Muses. Back into Jedburgh, the route is alongside the river Teviot, before continuing along old railway line.