Borders Abbeys Way Walking Holidays

Long distance walking in the Scottish Borders country with The Borders Abbeys Way. The route links the impressive abbeys of the area, through some of the most beautifulwalking in Scotland, all at a relaxing pace. The trails winds through a landscape of rounded hills, blanketed in heather – a landscape beloved ofSir Walter Scottand rich in history and folklore.

Melrose Abbey, Borders Abbey Way
Nights
6 to 8 Nights
Distance
67.5 to 68 miles
Location
Scottish Borders
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate – Moderate
Season
Mar to Oct
Price from
£795

Highlights

Easy Walking Routes Through Scotland’s Borders Abbeys Way

A walk that encompasses the captivating ruins of the Borders Abbeys
Walk through peaceful countryside, linked by the cobble streets of Georgian towns you stay in each night
The walk incorporates the volatile history of the Scottish Borders with historical features related to William Wallace
Catch sight of the grand Victorian viaduct running over the river Tweed
Visit Sir Walter Scott's fascinating home
Abbotsford Castle
Abundance of wildlife in the quiet countryside moorland
From £795 per person
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Walking the Borders Abbeys Way

The Borders Abbeys Way walk links historically significant 12th 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 15th and 16th 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.

Eildon Hill, Walter Scott's view

This walk is also an opportunity to explore the charming historic market towns of the Borders; Jedburgh, Selkirk, Melrose and Kelso, with the latter's impressive Georgian buildings arranged around a cobbled market square. Melrose, is often cited as the loveliest of all the Borders towns, and at Melrose Abbey lies buried the casket containing the heart of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland and victor of Bannockburn.

Sights of historic Scottish interest are manifold along this route: Mary Queen of Scots’ House, Jedburgh Castle, views of Floors Castle - a fairy-tale castle of turrets and cupolas overlooking the Tweed, the shattered remains of Roxburgh Castle, once the strongest fortress in Scotland, wonderful viewpoints of Black Law, the Bishop’s Stone and Cauldshiels Loch plus Abbotsford, the delightful 'Conundrum Castle' built by Sir Walter Scott on the banks of the Tweed, all make this a walk to remember.

Selkirk-Drove-Road-Border-Abbeys-Way

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.

Border Abbeys Way walk map

Choose Your Walk

Our Borders Abbeys Way Itineraries

Jedburgh to Jedburgh

69 miles (111 km)

Melrose to Melrose

69 miles (111 km)

Key Information

  • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfers
  • Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
  • Route planning
  • Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details

Customise your trip?

If you wish to upgrade your overnight accommodation on occasion, we will be happy to arrange this wherever availability allows – prices to be advised. Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Borders Abbeys Way Client Reviews

4.8/5 based on 22 reviews

"Excellent, efficient service"

Anon
June 2025

"A reliable company that works really hard to make your walking holiday work for you. Responsive, client focused service"

Wendy
June 2025

"Reliable company that helped us even under difficult circumstances."

Felix
October 2024

"Celtic Trails do exactly what it says on the tin"

Anon
July 2024

"Celtic Trails were efficient, personal, helpful and friendly. They were also every flexible when our plans changed."

Christina, Berkshire
June 2024

"The trip was seamless - the hosts and firms with which you partner with, were all top notch!"

Bill & Jo Ellen Buffie
August 2023

"Celtic Trails are quick to respond to queries and helpful. Very comprehensive organisation and we met nice hosts throughout the holiday."

Patrice Henson
August 2023

"This is my 14th long distance trail and I always feel in safe hands with Celtic Trails."

Beth
August 2023

"Celtic Trails were well organised, lived up to my expectations, a good experience walking on my own knowing the support was there if I had needed it."

Jenny Strathern
June 2023

Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way

We seek out the best accommodation of its type available

Melrose Abbey, Borders Abbey Way

Points of Interest

Abbotsford House, Sir Walter scott's home between Selkirk and Melrose

Abbotsford House

From Selkirk to Melrose you may want to consider setting aside some time to visit the former stately home of Sir Walter Scott.

A grandiose building, the principal architect was William Atkinson, who was later responsible for the remodelling of Chequers (the country house of the Prime Minister of the UK). The interiors were decorated by David Ramsay Hay of Edinburgh, who went on to redecorate the Palace of Holyroodhouse for Queen Victoria.

Melrose Abbey, Selwick to Melrose

Melrose Abbey

Dating from 1136, Scotland's first Cistercian monastery cuts an imposing figure on the path into Melrose, on the Selkirk to Melrose section of our itinerary.

The final resting place of Robert the Bruce has seen numerous conflicts, typical of the borderland region. The structure of the abbey has suffered from battles waged until the 16th century, with Walter Scott proving instrumental in its preservation from the 19th century onwards.

Media Gallery

Customise your trip?

If you wish to upgrade your overnight accommodation on occasion, we will be happy to arrange this wherever availability allows – prices to be advised. Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

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