The Borders Abbeys Way

Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Borders on the Borders Abbeys Way, a 109km (68-mile) circular long-distance walking route linking the great abbey towns of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. Officially designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails, this relatively easy, low-level route follows rivers, rolling countryside and forest tracks, and can be completed comfortably by reasonably fit walkers in under a week.
This guidebook makes planning and walking the Borders Abbeys Way straightforward and rewarding, whether you’re new to long-distance walking or looking for a relaxed, culture-rich trail. With clear stage breakdowns, expert navigation guidance and practical advice throughout, it helps you explore one of Scotland’s easier long-distance trails, located just under an hour by train from Edinburgh.

Detailed route descriptions for all 6 stages are provided alongside OS 1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files to keep you on track as you explore the Borders
A handy route summary table breaks each stage down with ascent information, daily distances (8 - 25km) and timings so that you can adapt this long-distance trail to suit your experience and fitness
Accommodation information is provided, mainly hotels and B&Bs with some campsites, including in key centres like Hawick, Selkirk, Newton St Boswells, Denholm, and Jedburgh
Insight into the history of the Scottish Borders is included, bringing 12th-century medieval abbeys, border conflicts and landscapes to life as you walk
Written by Paul Boobyer, an experienced long-distance walker and former Scottish Borders Council Countryside Access Officer, providing local knowledge, route familiarity and on-the-ground expertise to every stage


The Borders Abbeys Way is a week-long walking holiday through the turbulent and fascinating history of the Scottish Borders. With this guidebook, you’ll gain key navigational tools and a deeper understanding of the abbeys, towns and landscapes you pass through, turning this Great Trail into a rich cultural experience as well as a scenic one.