Borders Abbeys Way Long Distance Walk approx 65 miles
This is a circular walk in the heart of the Scottish Borders, full of attractive countryside, passing four abbeys and through several Border towns. The theme of the footpath is linking the ruined Border abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh which were established by King David I of Scotland in the 12th century. The Way also takes in the Border towns of Hawick and Selkirk.
The Way passes several rivers along its route including Jed Water, River Teviot, River Tweed, Ale Water and Rule Water.
It also passes close to Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott.
The Way is approximately 65 miles / 103 km in length and is divided into 5 sections of roughly equal distance. The Way is usually undertaken in a clockwise direction, starting and finishing at any of the five Border towns.
The Way is generally completed in 5 days
The circular route starts and ends at any one of the five Border towns.
Melrose – Kelso – Jedburgh – Hawick – Selkirk
- Melrose – Kelso – 18 miles / 29 km
- Kelso – Jedburgh – 13 miles / 22 km
- Jedburgh – Hawick – 14 miles / 23 km
- Hawick – Selkirk – 12 miles / 19 km
- Selkirk – Melrose – 10 miles / 16 km
The Way opened in 2006 and is managed and maintained by the Countryside & Access Team of Scottish Borders Council. It is suitable for walkers of most ages and abilities, ranging from keen walkers to long distance route novices.
Its is clearly signed and waymarked with the AW (Abbeys Way) symbol and is covered by Ordnance Survey Explorer maps OL 16, 331, 338 and 339 and Landranger maps 73, 74, 79 and 80.
