Four new Scottish Borders Walks for summer
Walkers are spoiled for choice in the Scottish Borders. We have waymarked local trails, some cracking long distance hikes, challenging hill routes and coastal paths. It’s a cliché but you really could spend a lifetime exploring and still find something new. I’ve written about many of these before, but this summer I want to spotlight four new, fresh routes that are either newly completed or exciting works in progress.
If anything here sparks your curiosity, then I hope it’s a nod to step away from the scrolling and head outdoors instead. Lace up the boots and try something different :)
The Mill Lade Trail in Innerleithen was formally opened in November 2025 and is an exciting addition to the towns walking friendly routes. Known locally as The Dam, the lade runs from the Leithen Water to the River Tweed just south of the town. It has been at the heart of several industries critical to the community from the medieval period to relatively recent times, with at least 13 waterwheels using it over the centuries.
The trail is a linear route, starting at the ‘cauld’ or weir just north of the town by the golf course. 8 storyboards tell the story of the lade (or dam) along its route, and is designed as both a ‘dip in dip out’ trail or something you can follow for its entire length.
I was delighted to have been asked to write the narrative for the various boards and was in attendance at the official opening, listen to my podcast epsiode to find out more.
The River Tweed Trail (part of the ambitious Destination Tweed project) won’t officially open until 2028, but this summer we’re getting an early glimpse of what’s to come. We can now enjoy a 1.7km stretch of brand new riverside path that hints at the scale and bold vision of the future route.
You can now walk, wheel or cycle from the new footbridge over the Cuddy in Peebles (just where it meets the Tweed, near the swimming pool) all the way to Peebles Hydro. It’s a wide, beautifully surfaced section which is smooth enough for bikes and mobility aids, welcoming for families and just fun for anyone who simply wants an easy, scenic wander beside the river. There have been some grumblings that its too wide which I see as a reminder than you’ll never please everyone!
From the Hydro, the path runs straight into the well established Tweed Valley Railway Path. I have written before about the game changing qualities of this route between Peebles and Walkerburn, and it now has a safe, traffic free route into Peebles town centre. With this new link up, this little preview section becomes part of something much bigger a future trail that will eventually follow the Tweed all the way to Berwick - imagine that! Along the way this path will connect communities, open up new low carbon adventures and give locals and visitors a fresh way to experience the entire Tweed Valley. Exciting times lie ahead…
Find out more about the project, and the latest updates, by clicking here.
The newly opened Deep Time Trail is 1.3km route to Siccar Point, where geologist James Hutton was able to prove his deep time theory. Using new and exciting interpretation the route tells Hutton’s story and explains his ground breaking theories. This really was a place that changed the world and now it’s more accessible and welcoming than ever. Hats off to everyone who made this project happen, particularly as they were able to open the trail in time for Hutton’s tercentenary in June 2026. The Berwickshire Coast is s stunning part of Scotland and this trail should be on your agenda for a summer walk that will open your mind to the theories of this incredible man.
Learn more about the trail on the James Hutton Society website
Here’s an Instagram reel from a visit I took to Siccar Point, before the new trail was opened.
The local council has just announced a brand new Bridges Trail along the River Teviot in Hawick. As I write this blog it is very fresh news, with more details still to come, but it feels to me like another big step in the town’s transformation, spurred on by the flood defences work of recent years.
The recent investment in riverside paths and active travel infrastructure has changed how people can move through Hawick, including opening up the Teviot in a way that simply wasn’t possible a few years ago. I have been delighted to use these new paths as a way to guide guests round the town and expect this new trail to only enhance that.
The new trail will link several of the town’s bridges into a single, accessible route, encouraging exploring the river from different angles and hopefully encouraging longer stays. It’s early days, but the direction of travel is exciting. Hawick is our largest town and is becoming one of the most walking friendly towns in the Borders, and this new Bridges Trail is one to watch as more information emerges…
What I love about these four routes is how they demonstrate at a wider shift happening across the Borders. We’re seeing towns reconnect with their rivers, embrace our varied heritage and look to the future with alternative ways to move around our towns that don’t have to involve motor vehicles. Some of these paths I have shared are fully formed, others are early glimpses but I think that together they point towards a future where exploring the Borders on foot or wheels becomes easier, safer and just more fun.
Watch this space, there’s more to come! And if you try any of these routes, then get in touch to let me know what you think…
