St Boswells, The River Tweed and Dryburgh Abbey

Mark Tracey Keiran and Kerris Douglas

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A beautiful walk along the banks of the River Tweed, starting in the small charming village of St Boswells. After an initial section on St Cuthbert's Way, the walk joins the banks of the Tweed.

The middle part of the walk takes in the hamlet of Dryburgh. You will pass the ruins of the 12th Century Dryburgh Abbey, open to visitors all year round and the last resting-place of Sir Walter Scott.

A short detour from Dryburgh takes you to the Wallace Monument, a large statue in memory of the 12th Century Scottish warrior with commanding views over the surrounding countryside and the Eildon Hills. The final section rejoins St Cuthbert's Way along the banks of the Tweed back into St Boswells.

Wildlife is in abundance and you may also see the odd salmon rise, particularly in the autumn months at the salmon ladder at Mertoun Mill as they make the journey upstream to their spawning grounds.

This walk may be linked with Walk 2972 at Mertoun Bridge to give an eleven-mile walk and provide a beautiful full day's walking.

Scotland - South Scotland - Scottish Borders - Southern Uplands

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife
5/30/2023 - David Simkins

Delightful walk. Full of interest and paths flanked with wild flowers. Could be muddy in the winter but quite dry when we walked it in May.

4/19/2018 - Moira Brady

After heading up The Wynd and passing the Air Cadets' Hut, take the path and after 5 metres not 50 metres take the right hand fork. A very muddy walk (April 2108)

4/6/2015 - Thomas Greig

At waypoint 3, a landslip has closed the riverbank path just beyond the cottages at Mertoun Mill. An alternative route has been arranged: At the end of Mertoun Bridge do not take the path to the cottages/Mertoun Mill, instead take the steps up the bank just beyond. After 200m take the path off to the left signed Dryburgh Abbey and follow it down to the river. Continue on to waypoint 4.