Dear Diary,
The Highlands are the Scotland of our imagination. No doubt.
Dramatic, rugged landscapes. Breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. Pure natural and wild beauty. The scenery can’t get any more romantic, right?
They are undeniably top of the list of must-visit places in Scotland.
Yeah, I get that. But …
… what about the Borders? Ever considered visiting them?
Imagine rolling green hills. A vast and open countryside with plenty of valleys. An endless coastline in the east. Not to forget all the castles and ruins.
They have been an inspiration for famous writers such as Sir Walter Scott and John Buchan.
So, you’d better put them on your bucket list. Otherwise, you might miss out on something big!
Here are 5 reasons why you should pay the Scottish Borders a visit sooner rather than later.
1) Location
The Borders are probably the easiest Scottish destination to reach. Edinburgh is just a stone’s throw away, and so is the border to England.
The quickest way to get there is with a rental car from Edinburgh. Though there are also local buses that can take you to places.
2) Fewer Tourists
As I mentioned, anyone visiting Scotland is thinking about the Highlands and Edinburgh, maybe Glasgow (no offence). Very few people even know that there is such a thing as the Borders.
And whilst the Highlands are bursting with tourists, especially during the summer months (not to mention all the midges), the Borders are nice and quiet. Hardly any people around.
3) The Coastline
The coastline in the Borders is stunning. There is a lovely coastal trail from St. Abbs to Eyemouth. Or even further down to Burnmouth.
You won’t be disappointed by the breathtaking views down to the sea from spectacular jagged cliffs. Surrounded by long, wide beaches and the dark blue ocean.
There are several great viewpoints (and photo stops) along the trail.
4) Culture & Walking Combined
Highlands are all about the landscape. They are great for walks.
Whereas the Borders are packed with historic and cultural places to visit, which can be easily combined with a nice walk.
Take the Borders Abbeys Way as an example. Some of the most picturesque ruins I’ve seen so far. The four main abbeys are: Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso. All of them are quite close together, so you can combine them on a day trip.
5) Places to Visit
Berwickshire Coastal Path - St. Abbs to Eyemouth
St. Abbs is a cute little fishing village in the Borders. Think typical fishermen’s houses surrounding the old harbour. On a side note, it was also the film location for Avengers: End Game, serving as the fictional town of New Asgard.
Take a stroll around Eyemouth; the beach and harbour are a must-see. Why not stop by the Auld Kirk, now the Eyemouth Museum, which tells the town's fishing and social heritage.
John Buchan Trail - Peebles to Broughton
The John Buchan Way is a walking route from Peebles to Broughton in the Borders, with a distance of approximately 13 miles. The way is marked in both directions. It has three main ascents and descents with a total climb of about 800 metres.
It was named after the famous Scottish writer and diplomat John Buchan, who wrote the novel ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’.
Highlights along the scenic walk include Cademuir Hill, The Glack, Easter Dawyck, Harrowhope, Penvalla, Stobo Kirk and Broughton Place.
Abbotsford House in Melrose
The stately home of 19th-century novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott is worth a visit in the Borders. He referred to his house as his ‘conundrum castle’, where fact and fiction meet and where he got his never-ending inspiration.
Take a wander through his study and impressive library to learn more about his life and work.
Finish off with a walk through the walled garden and along the River Tweed.