The Best Cycling, Walking or Driving Routes in Borders

The Borders landscape is designed for moving through it slowly to take in the views. Here are the most popular routes for walkers, cyclists, and those who prefer a scenic drive.

The 4 Abbeys Cycle Route

County: Roxburghshire / Selkirkshire
Best for: Keen cyclists and families who enjoy a challenge
Distance: Around 55 miles (Circular)
Route surface: Mostly paved roads and dedicated cycle paths

This is a famous circular route that links the four great medieval abbeys: Jedburgh, Kelso, Dryburgh, and Melrose. It is a fantastic way to see the heart of the Borders.

• What to enjoy: You’ll pass through beautiful rolling countryside, cross the River Tweed several times, and see all the major historic ruins.
• Difficulty: It is quite a long route with some hilly sections, but it can easily be broken down into smaller “legs.” For example, the stretch between Melrose and St Boswells is much flatter and easier for casual riders.
• Refreshments: Since it passes through all the main towns, you are never far from a local bakery or pub.

The Tweed Valley Railway Path

County: Peeblesshire
Best for: Families, casual cyclists, and walkers
Distance: 5 miles (Linear – one way)
Route surface: Smooth, level, and off-road

This route follows the old railway line between Peebles and Innerleithen. It is almost completely flat, making it perfect for kids on bikes or those who want a relaxing walk without any hills.

• What to enjoy: The path runs right alongside the River Tweed for much of the way. It’s very safe as it is away from cars, and the scenery is lovely and green.
• Points of interest: You can stop at Cardrona halfway for a break. At the Innerleithen end, you are very close to Robert Smail’s Printing Works.
• Refreshments: Both Peebles and Innerleithen have plenty of cafes at either end of the path.

The Eildon Hills Walk

County: Roxburghshire
Best for: Hikers, photographers, and active families
Distance: Around 3 to 5 miles (Circular from Melrose)
Route surface: Grass and dirt paths, can be muddy

This is the most iconic walk in the area. The three peaks of the Eildon Hills overlook Melrose and are steeped in local legends about King Arthur and Thomas the Rhymer.

• What to enjoy: The views from the top are breath-taking. On a clear day, you can see right across the Borders and into England. It is a steep climb, but the paths are well-marked.
• Points of interest: You can see the site of an old Roman fort at the top.
• Refreshments: Finish your walk back in Melrose square for a well-deserved cake or a local ale.

St Abbs Head Circular Walk

County: Berwickshire
Best for: Nature lovers and birdwatchers
Distance: 4 miles (Circular)
Route surface: Grassy cliff-top paths, some steep sections

This walk takes you around the dramatic cliffs of the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. It is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in the UK.

• What to enjoy: Thousands of seabirds nesting on the cliffs and the dramatic sight of the lighthouse. If you look closely at the water, you might even spot dolphins or seals.
• Points of interest: The St Abbs Lighthouse and the dramatic Mire Loch (a freshwater lake right next to the sea).
• Refreshments: There is a small visitor centre cafe at the start, or you can head down into St Abbs harbour for fresh crab rolls.

Scenic Drive: The “Scott’s View” Loop

County: Roxburghshire
Best for: Anyone who wants to see the best views without a long hike
Route: Melrose – Scott’s View – Dryburgh – Smailholm – Kelso

This is a classic driving route that takes you through the “Classic Borders” landscape. It covers many of the points on your list in one beautiful afternoon drive.

• The Experience: Start in Melrose, drive up the hill to Scott’s View for that famous photo opportunity, then drop down to Dryburgh Abbey. From there, head to the towering Smailholm Tower (a rugged peel tower on a rocky crag) before finishing in the cobbled square at Kelso.
• What to enjoy: The road between Scott’s View and Smailholm is particularly beautiful, with wide-open views of the Eildon Hills.

Glentress Forest Trails

County: Peeblesshire
Best for: Mountain bikers (beginner to expert) and woodland walkers
Distance: Various routes from 1 mile to 10+ miles
Route surface: Forest tracks and purpose-built bike trails

Glentress is world-famous for mountain biking, but it also has excellent walking trails.

• What to enjoy: The “Green” and “Blue” bike trails are great for families who are new to mountain biking. If you are walking, the “Ponds Trail” is a gentle, level route perfect for children.
• Difficulty: Routes are color-coded (Green is easiest, Black is hardest), so you can pick exactly what suits your fitness level.
• Refreshments: The Peel Cafe at the base is massive and serves great hot food—it’s very popular with the biking crowd.