Happy 2024! We can’t wait to welcome you to the valley over the next 12 months. Here’s a snapshot of events and activities to inspire your visit – and ensure your planning gets off to the healthiest of starts.
January: Pamper sessions
The beauty of the Tweed Valley is that you can enjoy it at your own pace. But easing yourself into the new year slowly (and luxuriously) is heartily recommended – particularly after a wild festive period. Our four fabulous spa hotels open up a world of pampering, with the jewel in the crown undoubtedly Stobo Castle Health Spa, Scotland’s only destination spa resort. With panoramic views over the upper Tweed Valley, outdoor hot tubs and a dedicated relaxation suite, it’s no surprise it was crowned the Best Luxury Romantic Destination Spa in the World in 2022. There are beautiful pools and bespoke packages on offer too at Barony Castle Hotel, Peebles Hydro Hotel and Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort. And for something a little different, look out for an historical wellness retreat at Neidpath Castle in February.
February: Running goals
Once ready to pick up the pace, there’s a bumper day of trail running waiting for you in the spectacular surroundings of Glentress Forest. High Terrain are no strangers to the Tweed Valley running scene, but their winter 10K, half marathon and trail marathon courses in 2024 will look slightly different from those of previous years. Expect some super new sections of woodland singletrack – including elements of the blue & red mountain bike trails – and the usual smattering of lung-busting climbs. Stay fuelled for the day at nearby Glentress Forest Café or Rider’s Retreat, and if you have any energy to burn before or after the race, Go Ape treetop adventure offers a very different way to experience the forest. There’s fabulous accommodation available at Glentress Forest Lodges too.
March: Mud and gears
Run, cycle, run? If you’re keen to incorporate running and cycling into your new year training goals, the Durty Duathlon Series is one to aim for. Rounds one and four of this low-key, off-road series take place in the enchanting grounds of Bowhill Estate, the Buccleuch family home on the outskirts of Selkirk. Expect wet, muddy conditions on the trails but a warm, nourishing welcome in the café once you cross the finish line! Bowhill House itself is closed for the 2024 season for essential maintenance, but the gorgeous grounds featuring an adventure playground will open as usual for the Easter holidays (30 March-14 April) and from 1 June–31August for the summer season (with Old Kitchen Cafe and Victorian Kitchen too).
April: Paddle Power
We couldn’t be more proud to launch the first official canoe trail in the south of Scotland this spring. The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail will cover a tranquil 30-mile stretch of the River Tweed, starting close to Dawyck Botanic Garden in the picturesque village of Stobo and finishing on the riverbank overlooking Sir Walter Scott’s former home, Abbotsford. This beautiful new trail promises far-reaching views of the Southern Uplands and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as otters, kingfishers and herons along the way. Journeying through the bustling towns of Peebles and Innerleithen, with their many shops, eateries and overnight accommodation options, the trail is suitable for all abilities. Check out Biggar Adventure and Kayak and SUP Hire Scottish Borders for guided tours and equipment hire.
May: Gravel days
All forms of cycling are celebrated around these parts, as the return of Muck n’ Mac, a small-scale gravel riding festival demonstrates. Based in the spectacular grounds of Traquair, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, the weekend-long festival features two days of epic gravel riding in some of the wilder reaches of the Tweed Valley. Riders are promised miles of quiet country roads and hidden forest tracks, complete with Enduro-style timed stages over both days. And it’s not just about bikes: the festival village features a host of activities and family-friendly entertainment, from live music to yoga classes, talks, films, introductory bike sessions and more!
June: Garden strolls
The Tweed Valley is home to stunning gardens and grounds, including a world-class arboretum, Scotland’s largest beech hedge maze and some of the tallest and oldest trees in the country. And June is the perfect time to experience them in all their early summer beauty. The historic azaelea terrace at Dawyck Botanic Garden and 19th century walled garden at Kailzie are ablaze with colour – with the fabulous blue poppy (mecanopsis, pictured above) a treat to savour at this time of year. Kailzie Courtyard Café is a lovely spot for a post-walk lunch or coffee, as too are the vibrant cafes at Dawyck Botanic Garden and Traquair House. What better way to while away a warm, summer’s day?
July: Horseback adventures
Peebles and Selkirk celebrate their heritage every summer with a horsey tradition dating back to the 13th century. The Common Ridings (or ‘Ride Outs’) were a way for townspeople to protect their borderlands from the English during a time of fierce warring between the two nations (and other land-hungry neighbours!). Thankfully, all are now on much friendlier terms but witnessing a cavalcade of horses riding the town boundaries – and fording the Tweed – remains a majestic spectacle and a highlight of the local calendar. Those inspired by these horseback traditions can enjoy their own adventures in the saddle with Kailzie Equestrian. Check out their social pages for riding experiences for all ages and abilities.
August: Glentress epic
One of Scotland’s most popular summer mountain biking endurance events is back – but it’s going to look a bit different for 2024. The Glentress 7 race will have a refreshed course, with new trails and an event village and transition area at the start/finish line of the UCI Cycling World Championships. So, if you enjoyed watching Tom Pidcock and pals battle it out here at last year’s Champs, you can savour your own moment of cross-country glory in front of an equally lively crowd. There’s an amateur level Enduro for those who want to turn things up a notch the following day – and all the fuel and bike gear you need to keep you pedalling for the weekend at nearby Glentress Forest Café and Alpine Bikes.
September: Go hike
Hiking is a year-round activity in the Tweed Valley but late summer and early autumn offer especially idyllic conditions to be out in the hills. The last of the purple heather peppers the hillsides and the days are still long enough for a big stomp on one of our long-distance routes. The Southern Upland Way celebrates its 40th birthday this year, a milestone that is surely best marked with a walk along one of its most scenic sections. A particular favourite is section nine which descends into the Tweed Valley at Traquair before rising again to the summit of Minch Moor and continuing on to Melrose, Lauder and Longformacus. Look out too for details of the Scottish Borders Walking Festival which typically takes place in early September, and ensure you are kitted out for all hiking conditions at one of our expert outdoor shops: Out & About; Trespass; and Findra.
October: On the fly
Considered one of the world’s great salmon rivers, the River Tweed attracts anglers from far and wide to pit their wits against the king of fish. Often spotted leaping out of the water as they head upstream to spawning grounds, these migrating fish are best seen at the caulds or salmon ladders dotted along the river – or at the immersive Salmon Viewing Centre at Philiphaugh. For the lowdown on the best fishing spots and guidance along this stretch of river, head to our fishing section and check out this guest blog by local fishing instructor, Fin Wilson. Fishing permits can be purchased at the Tontine Hotel, Peebles, for popular Upper Tweed beats including Traquair and Ashiestiel. Elsewhere, Kailzie Trout & Salmon Fishery offers guidance and instruction for individuals and families looking for an introduction to fishing in the valley.
November: Forest life
Woodlands and forests are plentiful in the Tweed Valley – each with their own unique character and charm. For those planning a visit in the autumn, a spot of leaf peeping or a mindful stroll through one of the seven diverse forests that make up the Tweed Valley Forest Park should always be top of your itinerary. Along with fairytale landscapes of pine and larch – and hidden remnants of Iron Age settlements – these wooded wonderlands are also home to dog-friendly cafes, wild watch centres and more. And if you fancy exploring some of the area’s lesser-known woodlands, check out our Woodlands and Forests page for information about our sessile oaks that date back to the 1700s, along with acclaimed, local restoration projects.
December: Stellar skies
The Tweed Valley is just a 45-minute drive from the historic town of Moffat, Europe’s first Dark Sky Town. Throughout the south of Scotland, in fact, light pollution levels are much lower than many other parts of the UK, improving the opportunity for star gazing – particularly in the winter skies. And if this winter is anything to go by, there’s also a chance of seeing one of nature’s most remarkable displays from the hilltops around the Tweed Valley – the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) delighted with a few appearances throughout November and December. Our good friend, Tweed Valley Blogger, wrote an excellent piece about winter star gazing in a recent post. It’s well worth a read if planning a visit later in the year.
Further info
There’s no shortage of events and activities to inspire your visit. Keep an eye on our Events & Festivals section for up-to-date info, and make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear all our news first! Look out for our Facebook and Instagram feeds too.
Images: Go Tweed Valley; High Terrain Events; Bowhill House; Marc Marshall; Muck n Mac Festival; Ian Linton; Forestry & Land Scotland; Hillside Outside; VisitScotland.