Scottish Borders

Day 1 • Arrive in Kelso

Arrive in the market town of Kelso, with its impressive abbey and nearby Floors Castle Kelso sits at the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot Rivers

HHH Cross Keys Hotel

Day 2 • Kelso to Jedburgh (Day 1 – Arrive Jedburgh)*

Walk southwest across the original stone bridge over the River Tweed, out of town onto the banks of the River Teviot, and along for mer railway tracks to an uphill stretch of Dere Street, before descending into Jedburgh

An easy walk between two historic Borders Abbey towns (13 4 miles, 6 5 hrs)

HHHH Meadhon Guest House

Day 3 • Jedburgh to Denholm

After an exploration of the abbey and Mary Queen of Scots’ House, climb up steadily over far m and woodland tracks leading down past the hamlet of Bedrule and on to Denholm, with fine views across the surrounding hillsides (8.1 miles, 4 hrs).

HHHHH Auld Cross Keys Inn

Day 4 • Denholm to Dryburgh (Day 2 – Jedburgh to Dryburgh)

After a short transfer by road, head north, following a stretch of Dere Street – the Roman Road between York and Scotland, along far m tracks and winding Tweed riverside paths to Dryburgh Wonderful views (10 1 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Day 5 (3) • Dryburgh to Melrose

Walk up to the viewpoint, beloved of Sir Walter Scott, before descending to the Victorian viaduct at Leaderfoot, where three bridges converge Then walk up to the viewpoints over the for mer Roman settlement at Trimontium, before following paths to the foot of the Eildon Hills Walk around the norther n flanks of the hills and down to Melrose, with its magnificent abbey (7.5 miles, 4 hrs).

HHH Townhouse Hotel

Day 6 (4) • Melrose to Selkirk

Take a riverside walk before visiting Sir Walter Scott’s baronial mansion at Abbotsford. A steady long climb over paths and far m tracks and a section of ancient drove road lead down into Selkirk, where the courthouse used by Sir Walter Scott can be found near the town square (11.6 miles, 6 hrs) Optional, picturesque walk along the River Ettrick to salmon jumping viewing station (4 1 miles, 2 hrs)

HHHH Philipbur n Country House

Day 7 • Selkirk to Galashiels

A steady, steeper climb up through the Philiphaugh Estate leads to the Three Brethren cair ns, with outstanding views over the surrounding countryside The route descends to Yair Bridge, then rises again to the hills above Galashiels, leading around the perimeter of the town with views across the valley (10 miles, 5 hrs)

HHH Kingsknowes Hotel

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: April-October

Airport to first hotel: u Edinburgh (51 miles)

Train/bus: 2 5 hrs - ~£20

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~£140

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English.

Route Book: 117 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate (Grade 3) See p 8

Terrain: Riverside and hillside paths; far m, forest, and woodland tracks Hill climbs range from 150m to 450m