Distance: 9 miles Total ascent to Cauldshiel’s Hill 750feet/230m.

In October we visit part of the Tweed Valley inextricably associated with Sir Walter Scott.  We can expect some stunning autumn colouring.

Our walk begins in the Abbey Square in the attractive Borders town of Melrose.  In the morning we walk upriver along the banks of the Tweed to Abbotsford, Scott’s home from 1811 until his death in 1832. This is a fine example of the Scottish Baronial Revival. 

Our route takes us through the grounds of Abbotsford. We enjoy a particularly fine view of its riverside elevation.  We ascend the gently rolling hills immediately behind Abbotsford and savour the natural beauty of Faldonside Loch and Cauldshiel’s Loch. 

To the east there are fine views of the Eildon Hills. The hills and the ballad of Thomas the Rhymer held a particular fascination for Scott. We can imagine Scott as depicted by Sir William Allan’s “the Minstrel of the Scottish Border”, standing at the head of Rhymer’s Glen with his beloved dogs snapping at his heels, laird and poet both. Our route takes us through an atmospheric Rhymers Glen to Darnick, the River Tweed and thence to Melrose.  

To book a place on this walk, please go to our Bookings page or contact us directly.

Price £12 per person.