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 £390 per person

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About the trail

The Borders Abbeys Way self-guided walking holiday tours 68 miles 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. The trail winds through the rounded green hills, wooded riverbanks, pine forests and rich farmland of the Scottish Borders, exploring a wide range of castles and outstanding viewpoints over the surrounding spaces 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 £650 per person

Borders Abbeys Way

The Borders Abbeys Way trail traverses 68 miles, clambering drover's roads and following riverside footpaths. 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 throughout.

 

 

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
BAW1 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 5 nights, 4 days walking Demanding £650
BAW2 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding £775
BAW3 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £905
BAW4 A circular trail beginning at Melrose 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate £1030
"Kelso Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024) "Kelso Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024)
"Jedburgh Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024) "Jedburgh Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024)
"Melrose Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024) "Melrose Abbey" by Andrew Eastwood (2024)
"Eildon Hill Panoramic View" by Blais Brancheau (2024) "Eildon Hill Panoramic View" by Blais Brancheau (2024)
"Kelso Abbey" by Blais Brancheau (2024) "Kelso Abbey" by Blais Brancheau (2024)
"River Tweed and Eildon Hill" by Blais Brancheau (2024) "River Tweed and Eildon Hill" by Blais Brancheau (2024)
"Dryburgh Abbey" by Blais Brancheau (2024) "Dryburgh Abbey" by Blais Brancheau (2024)
"Descending Eildon Hill" by Blais Brancheau (2024) "Descending Eildon Hill" by Blais Brancheau (2024)
"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

“An extremely well organised trip RE”
Mr Mcghie, UK
“Impressively well organised!”
Ms Hackett, UK
“Once again, a very well organised trip and excellent, friendly service.”
Mr Simmons, UK
“Everything worked perfectly and we had a fantastic time.”
Mr Robinson, UK
“The Contours planning and the comprehensive information supplied are really helpful. A couple of wrinkles but otherwise very good.”
Mr South, 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
“It lived up to all of my expectations. It's a great way to do walking holidays as you do all the accommodation and transport bookings and arrangements for your clients! You have a great selection of interesting walks to choose from.”
Mr Negyal, UK
“Good quality accommodation. Good distances to walk each day.”
Mr Northover, 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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