Borders Abbeys Way

The Borders Abbeys Way is a long-distance footpath in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is a circular walkway and is 109 kilometres (68 mi) in length.[1] The theme of the footpath is the ruined Borders abbeys (established by David I of Scotland) along its way: Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey. These abbeys were homes to monks, who lived there between the 12th and 16th centuries. The route also passes through the towns of Hawick and Selkirk, and close to Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott.[2][3] Along the Borders Abbeys Way there are several rivers: Jed Water, River Teviot, River Tweed, Ale Water, and Rule Water.

Borders Abbeys Way
Jedburgh Abbey
Length109 km (68 mi)[1]
LocationBorders, Scotland
Established2006
DesignationScotland's Great Trails
TrailheadsCircular
UseHiking
Elevation gain/loss1,300 metres (4,300 ft) gain[1]
Highest point339 metres (1,113 ft)
SeasonAll year
SightsHistoric ruined abbeys, rivers, wildlife, countryside
Websitehttp://www.bordersabbeysway.com/
Dryburgh Abbey

The route was opened in 2006, and is managed and maintained by Scottish Borders Council.[2] It is now designated as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot.[1] The route links with four of the other Great Trails: the Cross Borders Drove Road, the Romans and Reivers Route, St Cuthbert's Way and the·Southern Upland Way.[3] About 15,000 people use the path every year, of whom over 2,000 complete the entire route.[4]

Sections of the Walk

Most people choose to do the walk in one day for each segment.[5]

StartFinishDistanceStart elevationFinish elevationHighest point
kmmimftmftmft
Kelso (55°35′49″N 2°25′58″W / 55.5970°N 2.4327°W / 55.5970; -2.4327 (Borders Abbeys Way: Kelso Abbey))Jedburgh19124113485280120390
Jedburgh (55°28′36″N 2°33′15″W / 55.4766°N 2.5541°W / 55.4766; -2.5541 (Borders Abbeys Way: Jedburgh Abbey))Hawick201285280105344300985
Hawick (55°25′43″N 2°47′00″W / 55.4285°N 2.7833°W / 55.4285; -2.7833 (Borders Abbeys Way: Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Hawick))Selkirk20121023341725643391,113
Selkirk(55°32′50″N 2°50′29″W / 55.5471°N 2.8415°W / 55.5471; -2.8415 (Borders Abbeys Way: Market Square, Selkirk))Melrose169.917256498320270880
Melrose(55°35′56″N 2°43′09″W / 55.5990°N 2.7191°W / 55.5990; -2.7191 (Borders Abbeys Way: Melrose Abbey))Kelso28179832041134148485
Complete walk103643391,113

See also

References

55°34′41″N 2°34′11″W / 55.5781°N 2.5697°W / 55.5781; -2.5697 (Borders Abbeys Way)