- Mar 11, 2019
The Guardian of Scotland
For centuries the place where William Wallace was proclaimed Guardian of Scotland remained a mystery. But it's a mystery no more. In 1297 a Scottish hero arose: William Wallace. Wallace had won a famous victory over an English army at Stirling Bridge. The following year he was proclaimed Guardian of Scotland. His heroics were celebrated in the movie Braveheart. We know the ceremony took place at the Kirk o' the Forest. For centuries the location was lost. But in 2016 archaeol
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- Mar 5, 2019
Roman in the gloamin
The Romans never conquered Scotland. But that doesn't mean they were strangers to the land north of Hadrian's Wall, as a visit to the site of the fort they built in the Scottish Borders reveals. I swear that we were taught at school that the Romans never reached Scotland. Hadrian’s Wall was the limit of the empire and beyond that was a savage wasteland inhabited by blue-painted maniacs in kilts. I don’t know whether this was because history teachers in the 1970s weren’t very
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- Mar 2, 2019
Pssst! Can you keep a secret?
Our new video showcases the unsung Scottish Borders. For many tourists, Scotland is simply the Highlands and Edinburgh. But they're missing out. The Scottish Borders is just an hour south of Edinburgh and less than two hours north of Newcastle. It's where discerning walkers come to head into the hills and cyclists put in the hard miles on world class mountain biking trails. There's history, there's wildlife (golden eagles and ospreys among the highlights) and a wealth of outd
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- Feb 16, 2019
The Eildon Hills: in the land of the elves.
A short but bracing walk taking in all three Eildon Hills and including the Roman signalling station on Eildon Hill North. It's also the largest Celtic hill fort in Scotland. And, legend has it, the entrance to the land of the elves. Which you don't find on most walks. 4.2 miles. 2 hours. To find the start take the A6091 east past Melrose and turn off onto a minor road to the right at a sign for the Rhymer’s Stone. The path starts on the right of the road near an information
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- Feb 16, 2019
The Duchess's Drive: forest, moor and a castle.
A scenic hike around the Bowhill estate, taking in Newark Castle. 7 miles Start from the car park at Bowhill. Head up through the trees, and fork right up a well marked path. Follow the path up to a gate and go through. The path continues to climb and loops round to the right along the side of the hill. Go through a five bar gate on the left and then take the path ahead to another gate, go through it and head downhill through the forest. The path passes Newark Castle before r
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- Feb 16, 2019
The Haining: a gentle lochside stroll through the woods
A gentle stroll from The Five Turrets around the The Haining loch in Selkirk. 2 miles. 45 mins. Turn right out of The Five Turrets and up to The Fleece pub. Cross over the road and across the public car park into The Haining. Bear left at the first path junction, then right at the next one down to the Haining house. Pass to the right of the house, down across the grass and follow the path around the loch, returning to the house and back through the town. Get the full route an
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- Feb 16, 2019
The Three Brethren: peak perfection
An energetic 12.5 mile walk from The Five Turrets in Selkirk, along the Ettrick Water, up through forestry to The Three Brethren and then back down into the town. 12.5 miles. 5 hours. This is a quite demanding walk, but worth it for the fabulous views along the way. Turn left out of The Five Turrets and immediately left down Old Bridge Road. Cross over the road and make your way to the river. Turn right to follow the footpath along the river. The path continues beside the riv
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- Feb 15, 2019
Go West: a Selkirk circular walk
A lovely seven mile circular walk from The Five Turrets out through The Haining to Bowhill before turning for home past the site of the 1645 Battle of Philiphaugh and back along the Ettrick Water. 7.3 miles. 2 hr 46 min Start at The Five Turrets and head west up Ettrick Terrace. Cross the road by The Fleece and walk through the public car park into The Haining. Pass to the right of the house and bear right along the field edge before climbing over a stile signposted for the B
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- Oct 12, 2018
A Taste of Spice | Selkirk
Popular Indian restaurant in Selkirk town centre What we like: Fans of Indian cooking are in luck, with the Taste of Spice winning itself a loyal local following. In their own words: "Taste of Spice is contemporary Indian cuisine - serving in Selkirk over 20 years. Taste of Spice offers all the traditional dishes freshly prepared and cooked by our chefs from the popular Curry Mile in Selkirk. Our chefs have many years experience to cater for any need so come and enjoy one of
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