The Scottish Borders and Melrose Abbey - tour from Edinburgh

Private tour in Edinburgh

Tour Price : upon request Duration : 1 day tour Languages: English

The Scottish Borders are an often overlooked part of Scotland. But you could easily spend a week here exploring all the castles, stately homes, ruined abbeys and quaint villages as well as walking the many fine hills and gardens in the area. This is the country of Sir Walter Scott, the Border Reivers and ideal for those wanting to get away from the busy area's of Scotland.

We start this tour by leaving Edinburgh and heading into the rolling Moorfoot Hills heading through the pleasant town of Galashiels, passing the handsome Burgh Chambers building. The first potential stop is the home of Sir Walter Scott, Scotland 's most prolific writer of novels and poetry, Abbotsford House, a stunning Scots Baronial Mansion with a fascinating history. The handsome village of Melrose is next, with the imposing ruins of Melrose Abbey dominating the village. We then drive by the Eildon Viaduct on our way to Scott's View, a great panoramic vantage point of the area. Nearby is the huge red sandstone statue of Sir William Wallace, standing 31 feet high, and also Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Sir Walter.  

We drive by Smailholm Tower to the market town of Kelso with its ruined Abbey. Floors Castle (where Graystoke – legend of Tarzan was filmed) is Scotland's largest castle and home of the Duke of Roxburghe and is set within extensive grounds and has an excellent coffee shop.   We then head by the river Tweed to the bustling town of Peebles. We then head north and, time permitting, to Rosslyn Chapel founded in 1446 with its stunning interior and links to the Knights Templar and the Masons. It's then the short drive back to Edinburgh.

Other options on this tour include the ruined Jedburgh Abbey dating from 1138, the Georgian splendor of Mellerstain House, the 900 year-old Traquair House or the turrets and grounds of Thirlestane Castle.

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