If the Soutern Upland Way is too much, don't despair. The Borders is a land of contrasts - one of Europe‘s most beautiful unspoilt regions. For the walker, it offers space to breathe clean air. There are rolling hills, extensive mature forests, superb river valleys and interesting towns and villages. The region is seamed with tracks and paths so that you can walk for an hour, day or week. It offers the space to be invigorated - experience the tranquillity and freedom of walking in the Scottish Borders.
Walking in the Borders is good all year round. In spring the trees are coming into glorious fresh leaf and bird life is extensive and varied. In summer the clear skies and fresh air offer exhilarating conditions. In autumn the colours, on the trees and the heather moors, are truly magnificent. Winter has its own special attractions with perhaps a little snow on the hills tempting the more experienced walker, and still plenty to see in the valley.
There is also a number of experienced local walking specialists in the Scottish Borders, should you fancy a more organised tour or just fancy some knowledgeable company along the way.
Cycle Routes
Think of the Scottish Borders and think of big spaces: heather-clad hills rising to over 2700 feet, hundreds of square miles of forests and woodland, lochs and rivers. Wherever trees and hills abound, mountain bikers and cyclists won‘t be far away. With a population of just 100,000 and plenty of roads that carry very little traffic, you‘ll soon realise the Borders is a real paradise for cyclists.
There are plenty of casual off-road trails for beginners, although many bikers soon graduate to the more specialised sides of the sport. Cross country can involve big bumps and substantial climbs while the downhill sees bikers speed down steep and often exceedingly narrow slopes in full body armour and cushioned by serious suspension. The nearby Glentress Forest is classified as one of the world's best mountain biking areas.
There's a whole variety of routes to choose from for all types and abilities, with its quiet roads the Scottish Borders has many developed waymarked cycling routes that can be explored in part, in a day, or a series of days.
