Attractions and Places To See around Upper Teviotdale And Borthwick Water - Top 20

The region boasts several beautiful natural features. You can visit Alemoor Loch, a scenic reservoir divided by the B711 causeway, offering picturesque views. The River Teviot and Borthwick Water provide opportunities for gentle strolls, while Craik Forest offers a tranquil environment. For wildlife enthusiasts, Ettrick Marshes and Lindean Loch are rich habitats for various bird species, otters, and water voles.

Yes, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water are rich in history and culture. A unique site is the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Buddhist Centre, the first of its kind in the West, offering free visits and a tea room. The impressive Shankend Viaduct, a 15-arch bridge, stands as a testament to the region's railway heritage. The town of Hawick itself is steeped in history, particularly its textile industry, and is known for its annual Common Riding festival.

The area is ideal for various outdoor pursuits. You can enjoy extensive walking and hillwalking routes through the Teviot, Borthwick, and Slitrig valleys. Fishing for salmon, trout, and grayling is popular in the River Teviot, with loch fishing also available. Horse riding is another cherished activity, with several riding schools in the Hawick area. For golf enthusiasts, Hawick Golf Club, the oldest in the Borders, welcomes visitors.

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. Alemoor Loch offers beautiful views directly from the road, perfect for a scenic stop. The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Buddhist Centre is an intriguing cultural experience for all ages. Lindean Loch features a platform for pond dipping, which is great for kids, and the Teviot Watergardens are a lovely spot to observe wildlife.

The region offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. The Mavinsglen Forest Walks Junction is a significant meeting point for several trails, including sections of the Cross Borders Drove Road and Border Abbeys Way. You can find detailed routes, including moderate and difficult options like the 'Teviot Stone loop' or 'Wolfcleugh Waterfall and Gair loop', in our dedicated guide to Hiking around Upper Teviotdale And Borthwick Water.

Cyclists will find a variety of routes to explore. Options range from moderate rides like the 'Cavers & Stobs loop from Hawick' to more challenging ones such as the 'Berry Knowe Climb – Swire Climb loop'. For a comprehensive overview of routes suitable for road bikes, please refer to our guide on Road Cycling Routes around Upper Teviotdale And Borthwick Water.

Yes, there are several running trails catering to different fitness levels. You can find easy routes like the 'Wilton Lodge Park – War Memorial in Wilton Park loop from Hawick' or moderate options such as the 'Borthwick Ford – View of the River Teviot loop'. For more running inspiration and detailed routes, check out our guide to Running Trails around Upper Teviotdale And Borthwick Water.

The region's natural features are havens for wildlife. At Ettrick Marshes and Lindean Loch, you might spot reed buntings, grasshopper warblers, sedge warblers, otters, and water voles. Teviot Watergardens are known for badgers, otters, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. Keep an eye out for various bird species around the lochs and rivers.

Hawick serves as a central hub in the Scottish Borders and is rich in history. It's particularly known for its textile industry, which can be explored at the Border Textile Towerhouse museum. The town also hosts the annual Common Riding, a traditional festival celebrating its heritage and community spirit.

While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every attraction, the town of Hawick, being a central hub, offers various options for dining and refreshments. Many local villages and towns in the Scottish Borders also have welcoming establishments where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after your explorations.

The Scottish Borders, including Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water, offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural landscapes. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter offers a different, often serene, beauty, though some trails might be more challenging. The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery is open all year.

Beyond the historical buildings in Hawick, the Shankend Viaduct is a truly impressive architectural structure. This 15-arch bridge, once part of a railway line, stands as a magnificent example of Victorian engineering nestled within the scenic hills.