Borders Abbeys Way

Borders Abbeys Way

A circular walking holiday through the heart of Scotland's border towns, visiting the ruins of four great abbeys.

3 to 8 nights
31-68 miles
Moderate to Demanding

From £360 per person

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About the trail

The Borders Abbeys Way is a brilliant self-guided walking holiday through the rounded green hills, wooded riverbanks, pine forests and rich farmland of the Scottish Borders, touring between four great ruined monasteries. Each has its own distinct character waiting to be discovered: the vast abbey church at Jedburgh, the outstanding detail of every carving at Melrose, the domestic architecture of Dryburgh and the Romanesque style of the remaining tower of the formidable Kelso Abbey.

As well as the four iconic abbeys, the Borders Abbeys Way has much to offer. Explore a wide range of castles and outstanding viewpoints over the surrounding hills and the glittering Tweed. This is the perfect circular walking holiday through a beautiful area studded with historic gems.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Borders Abbeys Way
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Borders Abbeys Way Highlights

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

5 to 8 nights
68 miles
Moderate to Demanding
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £590 per person

Borders Abbeys Way

The full Borders Abbeys Way trail traverses 68 miles. It's a circular route, starting and ending in the market town of Melrose. As well as the four magnificent abbeys at Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso, the walk also takes in plenty of other historic sites, as well as a variety of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character to uncover and history to share.

The scenery of the Scottish Borders complements this walk perfectly, boasting views of green hills, quiet forests and sparkling waters, providing a stunning backdrop to a truly fantastic holiday option.

 

 

 

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
BAW1 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 5 nights, 4 days walking Demanding £590
BAW2 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding £705
BAW3 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £820
BAW4 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate £935
"Last leg from Kelso to Jedburgh" by Kim Dudley (2022) "Last leg from Kelso to Jedburgh" by Kim Dudley (2022)
"On the way to Selkirk" by Kim Dudley (2022) "On the way to Selkirk" by Kim Dudley (2022)
"Leaving Black Law" by Kim Dudley (2022) "Leaving Black Law" by Kim Dudley (2022)
"Castle Jail Jedburgh" by Kim Dudley (2022) "Castle Jail Jedburgh" by Kim Dudley (2022)
"River Teviot at Kelso" by Maria Brancho (2019) "River Teviot at Kelso" by Maria Brancho (2019)
"Along the Teviot" by Colin Patey (2017) "Along the Teviot" by Colin Patey (2017)
"Jedburgh Abbey" by Colin Patey (2017) "Jedburgh Abbey" by Colin Patey (2017)

Customer reviews from the Borders Abbeys Way

“We had a wonderful time... thoroughly enjoyed the three days walking.”
Mrs Kasper, Switzerland
“Everything worked perfectly and we had a fantastic time.”
Mr Robinson, UK
“An extremely well organised trip RE”
Mr Mcghie, UK
“The Contours planning and the comprehensive information supplied are really helpful. A couple of wrinkles but otherwise very good.”
Mr South, UK
“Impressively well organised!”
Ms Hackett, UK
“I have already booked approximately 15 holidays over the years and have another booked for later this year to the Isle of Wight.”
Mr Twigg, UK
“Fantastic holiday, the scenery was spectacular, accommodation first class as usual. Would definitely recommend this holiday to others, was brilliant.”
Mr Dudley, UK
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