Roads Less Travelled
As a tour guide in the Scottish Borders, its fair to say I have explored all the nooks and crannies of the region - many of which are best reached by lonely roads, where sheep wander and you find peace, quiet and expansive views. In this blog, I wanted to share a a handful of my most memorable driving experiences in and around The Scottish Borders, and encourage you to take the road less travelled.
crossing the lammermuirs
Duns to Gifford
There are a handful of ways to cross the Lammermuirs, the long range of rounded moorland hills that separate Berwickshire from East Lothian. My own favourite is to head out of Duns for Preston on the B6355, splashing across a ford before heading to the hills. You pass the hamlet of Cranshaws before arriving at Whiteadder Reservoir. Climbing into the moors, you are surrounded by gorgeous heather and the sound of curlews on this fine high section. Take the fork in the road that brings you down to Nunlaw Abbey, and the quaint village of Garvald before arriving into picture perfect Gifford.
scott country
Branxholme to Tushielaw
A drive which takes you through the lands of the Scotts of Buccleuch, the once fearsome Border Reiving family. Starting at Branxholm Bridgend, a few miles south from Hawick on the A7, you quickly climb out of Teviotdale on a single-track road, taking you through glorious upland country. You pass between Branxholme Easter and Wester lochs on a very rare gated public road (remember to close the gates). Arriving at Roberton, the road climbs again, heading to the causeway across Alemoor Loch where you may see swimmer, paddleboarders or anglers. This is remote, hill farming country with roe deer also plentiful and the road soon passes the steep ravine or cleuch which was the location of the tale of Scott of the buck cleuch - the origin of the name ‘Buccleuch’. Dropping down to the valley floor you arrive at Tushielaw and the Ettrick Water having crossed the valleys of the Teviot, Borthwick and Ale Waters. Four hundred years ago only the bravest of wayfarers would have dared this route, now it makes for stunning hill drive.
romans and alpacas
Carter Bar to Jedburgh (the long way round…)
Motorists dropping from the Carter Bar on the A68 can follow the fast, trunk road to Jedburgh, but for the adventurous I suggest a right turn at the sign for Hownam and Hindhope - the upper Kale Valley. This road feels like a step back in time, both the quiet, single-track nature of it and the sheer volume of ancient forts, roads, stones and cairns found along it. After a few miles you arrive at Pennymuir, once home to a huge Roman marching fort, and also your first encounter with Dere Street Roman Road. Believe it or not, with the right vehicle you can still drive this track at certain times of year however I wouldn’t recommend it! Instead, follow the road towards the Kale and the tiny village of Hownam, with its air of remoteness feeling more highland glen than Border valley. Take the high road towards Whitton Edge, passing Beirhope Alpacas and you soon meet Dere Street again, only this time you can follow its paved, straight line like a rollercoaster for some miles. By now you’ll see signs for Oxnam and Jedburgh, follow these and leave the Roman Road for ramblers. You’ll arrive at Jed an hour later than those who took the A68, but your tales will be better than there’s…
If this blog has you dreaming of quiet roads and Borders stories then come and explore them with me. I run driver‑guided, private tours for those who love covering ground, and slower walking tours in Border towns for those who prefer to wander. Either way, my goal is simple - I am passionate about connecting people with place. Pop your name on my mailing list and I’ll send you new routes, tour dates and the occasional nudge to get out into the Borders or get in touch with me to start planning your perfect adventure.
