Scottish Borders Walking
Kirklands, near Melrose, is an ideal base for walks. The town sits at the foot of the triple-peaked Eildon Hills and at the heart of superb walking country. Melrose is steeped in history, and has at its centre the magnificent ruin of Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136 by King David I. The heart of King Robert the Bruce, who brought nationhood to Scotland in the 14th century, is buried here. Close by is Priorwood Garden, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and the stately River Tweed, noted for salmon fishing, flows beside the town. Just outside Melrose to the east is the site of Trimontium, a major Roman fort, while to the west Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, can be visited. Melrose has an excellent range of facilities for visitors, and recently won "Best Tourist Town" and "Scotland in Bloom" awards.

Listed below are sample walks in the Melrose area:-

1) The Millennium Walk
This walk, developed by a local enthusiast, starts and finishes in the centre of the historic town of Melrose. The route touches on the surrounding countryside, in all its various guises and moods, and visits the villages of Newstead, Darnick and Gattonside (with tea stop at the latter) each, in its own right, a gem within the Scottish Borders. During the walk special mention will be made of sites of particular historic and environmental interest. (Takes about 4 hours)

2) Town Trail
A walking tour of the historic town of Melrose as you visit the Market Place, Gallows Brae, Masonic Lodge, The Wynd, the Abbey and the walk including Melrose Rugby Club at the Greenyards, birthplace of Rugby Sevens. (Takes about 1.5 - 2 hours)

3) Trimontium Walk
The Trimontium Walk connects the Roman Heritage Centre in Melrose with the huge Roman-native complex at Newstead Village, 1.5km away. The site needs a guide, for all the excavations of fort, four settlements and amphitheatre have been back-filled. Dr Bill Lonie and Donald Gordon are two of the volunteers (and amateur experts) who keep the Centre and the Walk going, with the aid of donations. The walk covers the prehistoric, mediaeval and Roman periods up to the present day. The views are wonderful, and enthusiasts can buy a splendid souvenir brochure. (Takes about 2.5 hours)

4) River Walk
After leaving Melrose and heading for the Eildons the walk heads east over Bowden Moor to Cauldshiels Hill and Loch, returning along the Tweed past Faldonside House and Abbotsford House. (Takes about 3 hours)

5) Gattonside Circular
This is a short circular walk leading across the River Tweed from Melrose to explore Gattonside Village and its surroundings. The route goes along the riverside path past St. Aidan's. There is then a short climb up to Gattonside Mains with fine views to the south over the town, the Eildons and then gently downhill through the narrow lanes between old cottages in Gattonside, back to the Chain Bridge and Melrose.