The Scottish Borders (FAQ)
People search for “What is the Scottish Borders?” or “Where is the Scottish Borders?” and often land on council websites or dry definitions. Perhaps useful but not really thrilling.
This page offers something different - a guide’s eye view. Not official, but personal and developed from my hands on experience with visitors from around the globe. These are the questions I’m asked most often, be it on tours, in emails, and sometimes when accosted in the street. From “Is it all flat?” to “is Hadrian’s Wall in Scotland"?” “Does it rain all the time?” and “Where exactly is the Tweed Valley?” this FAQ is my attempt to answer with clarity, warmth and my usual wee touch of cheek.
Whether you’re planning a visit, dreaming of one, or just curious about this super corner of Scotland, I hope these answers help you feel more at home...
Q: What is The Scottish Borders?
A: One of the 32 council areas of Scotland, in the south east of the country. The Scottish Border is made up of four historic counties - Peeblesshire, Berwickshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire.
Q: Where are the Scottish Borders?
A: Tucked somewhere between Edinburgh and Brigadoon… Well, not really, but although like Brigadoon we can sometimes be missed, we are actually just south of Edinburgh and north of the top of England, so we are a quiet place in between a lot of people.
Q: How do I get there?
A: We have access via trains to Galashiels and Berwick (which is in England, but is really a Borders town…), buses right across the area and of course motor vehicles can easily access via the M6, A1, A7, A72, A702, A68 and A697. Many people arrive via ferry to Newcastle and make their way here on the way further north, with an increasing number discovering that Scotland Starts Here, not in The Highlands ;) In short, we are fairly easy to find, and harder to leave. A car helps, but it is not essential with public transport well provided.
Visit Traveline Scotland for the easiest way to plan public transport trips around Scotland.
Q: It’s in the Lowlands of Scotland, so is it all flat?
A: Not quite. Scotland is often divided into the Highlands and Lowlands, giving the impression that everywhere south of Stirling is flat as a pancake. Bit in truth, Scotland is divided into three main regions, and much of The Borders sits in The Southern Uplands. What this means is soft, rolling hills, steep sided valleys and a landscape that often surprises visitors with drama, particularly in the west of the area. It’s not craggy like (parts of) the Highlands, but think of the rolling hills as folds in the landscape, with every turn bringing a new view and a new story. Plus, more often than not, a sheep in the road.
Learn more about The Southern Upland Way which covers the whole south of Scotland.
a dramatic landscape
Rounded hills, with steep sided river valleys. Not flat :)
Q: What’s the weather like in The Scottish Borders? Does it rain all the time?
A: It does rain, often quite heavily, but perhaps not as much as you think. The Scottish Borders sits in a temperate part of a temperamental island, with few major swings of weather. We pay for our greenery with generous rainfall, but it’s the same rain that feeds the rivers, helps the salmon come home and makes the beer & whisky.
So yes, bring a waterproof and layers. But prepare to be surprised as you might not actually need them…
Q: When’s the best time of year to visit The Scottish Borders? Does it get really busy?
A: The cliché answer is of course “all year round” and honestly, I think it’s true. Every season has its charm. But unlike places like the Isle of Skye or Edinburgh during the Festival, the Borders are never overrun. Even in summer (June to August), things stay pretty chilled.
My favourite (and busiest) months as a guide are September and October. The light softens, the colours change spectacularly and the pace feels just right. Winter has its own quiet beauty too, but daylight is really short, so you need to plan accordingly.
In short, just come when you want to. The Borders will welcome you without the crowds, and with loads of stories.
a year round destination
Exploring the Tweed Valley in autumn
Q: You’re Tweed Valley Blogger - so where exactly is the Tweed Valley in The Scottish Borders?
A: The River Tweed and Tweed Valley is the spine of the Scottish Borders, the river that binds four old counties into one story. It’s why folk in Peebles, at least a good hours drive from England, still call themselves Borderers. The Tweed flows from Tweeds Well near the source of the River Clyde to Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland, but these days when people say “Tweed Valley,” they usually mean the stretch from Peebles to where the river meets the Ettrick.
This area includes the seven forests of the Tweed Valley Forest Park and is often shorthand for mountain biking country. I chose the name Tweed Valley Blogger to I guess try and reclaim or rephrase some of that narrative, showing readers and now tour guests that there’s much more here than bikes. Through my work, I explore the layered history, fascinating people and everyday, full richness of the valley.
So, the Tweed Valley is the Scottish Borders. And at the same time it’s also a bit of what used to be Peeblesshire. Simple, really, I guess?!?
Q: Is The Scottish Borders a family friendly destination?
A: Absolutely yes, however think treasure hunt rather than theme park! Ruined castles, historic houses, biking trails for all levels, a small and perfectly formed coastline and year round calendar of events. Outdoorsy families will find lots to do, but the Borders also appeals to those looking for a quiet, slower pace of life. All ages will find something to delight them in the Scottish Borders.
accessible by rail
The Borders Railway, trains from Edinburgh every 30 minutes.
(image: Visit Scotland/Airborne Lens)
Q: Is The Scottish Borders suitable for those with limited mobility?
A: It’s important to be honest about mobility. Anywhere that claims ‘full accessibility’ makes me wince a bit because it’s rarely that simple. The Scottish Borders has many attractions doing excellent work to welcome as many people as possible. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, for instance, has won awards and acclaim for its inclusive design.
But across the region, there’s still work to do. Some paths, buildings, and experiences could be better. It’s a work in progress, and I think we should be upfront about that. Let’s keep improving, together.
If you have specific access needs or questions, please get in touch. I’ll do my best to advise honestly and help you plan a visit that feels right for you
Q. Is Berwick-Upon-Tweed in Scotland? What about Hadrian’s Wall?
A: These are both questions I recieve fairly often, from overseas visitors folk from the UK alike! Berwick-upon-Tweed is very much in England today, though it was originally built as a Scottish town. It changed hands, violently, more than a dozen times before finally becoming part of England in 1482. Even now, it remains a fascinating blend of Scottish and English character and is well worth exploring.
Hadrian’s Wall, built in the 2nd century AD, stretches from the Tyne to the Solway. It’s often mistaken for the Scottish border, but it really isn’t - there are over a million English people living north of it! That said, it makes for a magnificent day trip from the Borders. I often take guests there to help paint a fuller picture of Britain’s layered history. If you are curious about the actual border then get in touch - it’s a fascinating place rich in stories, wild landscapes and a few surprises. I can help you explore it like no other guide.
Discover more about Berwick-Upon-Tweed in this blog
I visit Vindolanda, jewel of Hadrian’s Wall, in this blog
Q. What is the one thing I shouldn’t miss in The Borders?
A: A tough question, and one I’m asked often. For spectacle and unique local culture, the summer Common Ridings and Festivals are hard to beat. They’re deeply rooted in tradition, full of drama and pride. But it is true that they can feel a little opaque to visitors, especially without context.
So perhaps something more accessible: Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. Scott’s influence runs deep, not just in the Borders, but across Scotland. To understand Scott, in all his contradictions, imperfections and genius is to glimpse the true soul of Scotland.
And then there’s Scott’s View, named after Sir Walter, and achingly beautiful. The Tweed, the Eildon Hills, the wooded glens of the central Borders… it’s a must see.
This is all a bit of a cop out so here’s my real answer! The one thing you shouldn’t miss is the chance to discover this magical corner of Scotland for yourself. Come away in—we’re waiting for you…
Enter the world of the Border Common Ridings and Festivals on this blog.
Find out why Sir Walter Scott still matters in The Borders
a warm welcome
Events, and greta food & drink in The Scottish Borders
All other images are my own.
