Scottish Borders

The landscape is as generous as the people of the Scottish Borders with rolling hills, open countryside, peaceful rivers and spellbinding coastline.

Riders begin their descent down a trail at Glentress Forest, Scottish Borders.

Overview

The landscape is as generous as the people of the Scottish Borders with rolling hills, open countryside, gentle valleys, peaceful rivers and spellbinding coastline.

It’s serene, for sure, but there’s adventure to be found here too. Explore your way between ancient abbeys and castles, then up the adrenaline with a visit to 7stanes centres, where the world’s best mountain bikers will also be in attendance for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs.

Trails for Everyone

Glentress is the flagship 7stanes centre with trails to suit everyone from families to rookies to rainbow jersey winners. Whatever level of cyclist you are, you’ll feel the passion for the sport in every twist and turn of these world class trails.

Don’t have a bike with you? No bother with bike hire. And for those that don’t fancy a cycle, GoApe activities too where you can trek from tree to tree 40ft above the forest floor.

Whatever trail you tackle, you’ll need to refuel with coffee and cake available all day in the café.

Ruaridh Cunningham in Glentress

Dramatic Cliffs, Crystal Clear Waters

A coastal haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers, St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve is known as a ‘seabird city’ where thousands of birds nest.

Apart from the birds, fresh sea air and epic views await everyone who ventures to this remote clifftop beauty spot, which you may also recognise as New Asgard from some recent Hollywood blockbusters.

View of St Abbs
St Abbs, a small fishing village in Berwickshire

Bring Your Bike (or rent one!)

The Tweed Valley Forest Park is one of the premiere mountain biking destinations in Scotland, and you’ll soon see why. 

A great day out is joining the dots between gorgeous little towns on the banks of the River Tweed. Make sure you stop for coffee and cake at some of the lovely cafes along the way.

Plan your visit

See what the Scottish Borders have to offer to you and your bike.

Plan your perfect trip at VisitScotland.

Fun facts!

The Scottish Borders is home to the country’s largest inhabited castle - Floors Castle near Kelso

2020 Mountain Bike Downhill UCI World Champion, Reece Wilson, hails from the Scottish Borders.

The shortened seven-a-side version of rugby union was created in Melrose by butcher Ned Haig in the 1880s.

The Scottish Borders’ textile industry continues to produce some of the highest quality knitwear and cashmere in the world, including to iconic fashion houses such as Chanel

Upcoming events in this region