Countryside places to visit in the Scottish Borders
This striking group of hills are a landmark in the Scottish Borders, visible for miles. The Hills are a treasure-trove for archaeologists, botanists, geologists and ornithologists, and offer a mix of peat bogs, grassland, and acidic heath, on a base of volcanic rock. The hills are particularly rich in bird life, with woodland, water, and heath birds aplenty, in addition to the star species, the red grouse. The highest point of the hills reaches 422 metres and overlooks Teviotdale.
Melrose, Borders, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: Celtic hill fort
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Overlooking the River Tweed is a scenic viewpoint at Bemersyde, where author Sir Walter Scott frequently came to sit and reflect. Scott is buried at Dryburgh Abbey, one mile to the south. The viewpoint gives stunning panoramic views to the Eildon Hills near Melrose.
B6356, Melrose, Borders, Scotland, TD6 9DP
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Heritage Highlight: Viewpoint closely linked with Sir Walter Scott
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300 ft high cliffs at St Abbs Head are home to colonies of birds that nest on the ledges from April to August. St Abbs is a National Nature Reserve, in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. There are footpaths along the cliffs from the edge of St Abbs village and you can take a circular walk that takes in the site of a ruined medieval nunnery established by St Aebba, after whom the village is named.
Coldingham, Eyemouth, Borders, Scotland, TD14 5QF
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The Hirsel Estate is an exceptional man-made landscape with strong links to the Home family. Within the Estate stands the Category-A listed mansion house. There are signposted trails throughout the estate, taking in a small lake. The former stable blocks have been converted into a popular tearoom, visitor centre, and museum of rural life.
Coldstream, Borders, Scotland, TD12 4LP
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Heritage Highlight: 18th century landscape and stately home
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
