Let the battery take the strain as you cycle the highways and byways of the Scottish Borders. What we like: The Scottish Borders offer some of the finest cycling routes in the UK - but there's no getting past the fact that the Southern Uplands do feature rather a lot of hills. Enter the E-bike - all the normal features of a conventional bicycle but with the added benefit of a battery powered motor to help you on your way. With a range of between 40 and 90 miles - depending on

One of the best ways to experience the Scottish Borders is from the water so why not hire a paddleboard or a kayak and get started?

Blue badge guides know what they're talking about - let Ann show you the very best of the Scottish Borders. What we like: Ann has spent years showing guests around the highlights of Scotland but she has made her home in the Scottish Borders for good reason. As a qualified blue badge guide, trained by the Scottish Tour Guides Association, guests can be assured of a top quality day out packed with fabulous insights and storytelling. The former geography teacher is a true Scot

Rent a bike from the Diamond Cycle Centre for your stay at The Five Turrets

Outdoor adventures for all the family.

Book fly fishing on the Tweed with our expert and we'll arrange instruction, equipment and permits. Salmon, sea trout, trout, grayling.

Guided, self-guided and bespoke bike adventures. They know their stuff and the best rides in Scotland.

Alpaca trekking in the Cheviot Hills. What we like: It's just a lot of fun. You lead an alpaca round the hillside. There's scenery. There's alpacas. It's somehow quite relaxing. They'll bring the alpacas to The Five Turrets if you want a tailored trekking experience for a group. In their own words: "A family owned smallholding located in the stunning Cheviot Hills, close to St Cuthbert’s Way. Beirhope truly is a hidden gem and we would love to share it with you on one of our

Golden eagles, hen harriers, red squirrels. What we like: This charity run by wildlife experts offers full and half day wildlife safaris in the Scottish Borders to see birds including hen harriers and possibly golden eagle, plus red squirrels, hare and deer. In their own words: "We will visit Langholm Moor, where we will be searching for birds of prey such as Hen Harriers, Short Eared Owls, Merlin, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and maybe even a Golden Eagle. Other highlights on t

Intimidating, brooding and forbidding: "Discover a history filled with intrigue, murder, torture and treason." What we like: This lonely and forbidding castle has a gory past reflected by references to it as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain”. It inevitably played a pivotal role in the story of the Reivers, serving as a home and a prison for some of the major players. Mary Queen of Scots paid a visit that nearly killed her when, returning from visiting the ma

Dramatic 14th century peel tower near Kelso. What we like: The Pringle family weren't taking any chances when they built a tower house to keep out the notorious Border Reivers: it's got 2.5m thick walls. It worked up to a point, but the Reivers still made off with 700 cattle and 100 horses. The location is atmospheric and Sir Walter Scott found it a source of inspiration. In their own words: "Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a

Climbing and bouldering for all ages at Europe's largest indoor climbing arena. What we like: The Clip 'n Climb for children is fantastic fun, with a great range of challenges. There's plenty for older and more experienced climbers too and there's a three hour beginners course for £50. In their own words: "Thrilling fun for everyone with cleverly designed climbing challenges at Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena just outside Edinburgh. Reaching new heights never looked so

Climbing, fencing, raft-building and more. What we like: Small group activities for children. Reasonably good value for larger groups. The raft building looks particularly good fun and the zorbing is a hoot. In their own words: "We’ve got 70 years’ experience in planning and running fantastic camps, events and outdoor and residential experiences for schools and youth groups. Whether you’re looking to challenge your group with land or water-based adventures like canoeing, clim

Through the forest and up to the moors What we like: a ranger from the nearby Bowhill Estate will drive you up through the ancient Ettrick Valley forest and up onto the hills for spectacular views. Round off the tour at the ruined fifteenth century Newark Tower, a former stronghold of the Douglas clan. In their own words: "One of our expert Rangers ... will drive you through the stunning designed landscape surrounding the House. They’ll take you up through the remains of the

See salmon leaping up the cauld just west of Selkirk What we like: There's a viewing centre of a certain vintage with an underwater camera that sometimes shows a passing fish. Look out for kingfishers too. The Waterwheel cafe is well worth a visit. In their own words: "Learn all about the life cycle of the King of the fishes from the Salmon Wall display. Then see what dangers lie in the river and how many survive after the female salmon has laid 5,000 eggs. Then watch the Sa

Country house with lake and woodland walks. What we like: Outdoor activities, family days out, house tours full of history and art, weddings, private events and field sports. The adventure playground is excellent, there's a great cafe and the Land Rover tours up to the moor are a special treat. There's fishing on the loch, bookable through the estate office. In their own words: "This majestic House and its grounds have been the centre of life in this rural oasis for more than