Page 30 - ESPC_Jun24

AREA FOCUS

Sport Outdoor Transport
The Scottish Borders has much to offer Of course, the Scottish Borders is a real haven Getting around in the Scottish Borders
if you’re a keen sportsperson or an avid for anyone who wants an outdoorsy lifestyle. is very simple. For drivers, there’s a
audience. Golfers will especially love the vast With a wealth of rolling hills, beautiful bays and mix of scenic country lanes and three
range of courses, including the SCHLOSS lush landscapes, there’s a huge amount to enjoy. major trunk roads that pass through
Roxburghe championship course, as well as the region, which make commuting
the picturesque offerings at Eyemouth, St Local property expert Ron Hastings, of ESPC a breeze. There’s also the signposted
Boswells, Newcastleton and Duns, so you’re member firm Hastings Legal, explains: “Due Borders Historic Route that runs between
guaranteed a round with a view! to its rolling hills and picturesque nature, the Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Borders have many fabulous walks. The Borders
Kelso Racecourse boasts a packed fixture list Abbeys Way is a great way to enjoy the major There are plenty of bus services if you
that makes for a thrilling day out – their current ruined abbeys, take in the views and walk along prefer someone else to do the driving, and
schedule includes events right through until the riverside whilst stopping along at local pubs the Borders Railway line means you can enjoy
December. and cafes too. St. Cuthberts is another lovely, a direct link into Edinburgh Waverley, with
long-distance walk that takes you from the heart stations at Tweedbank, Galashiels, and Stow.
The Borders is also famous for rugby; after of the Borders to the Northumberland coastline. Keep an eye out in August, when steam train
all, it’s the home of Rugby Sevens (with the Smaller distance walks can be enjoyed over the services sometimes run!
infamous Melrose 7s being a huge attraction famous Eildon Hills, alongside the River Tweed
every year), and many stars of Scottish rugby or through the woodlands; it certainly isn’t to be Food and Drink
hail from the region. If you love nothing more missed on a beautiful summer’s day!”. With a reputation that sees diners travelling The Borders Distillery in Hawick is a fantastic
than a scrum, there are plenty of local clubs to especially to the small village of Gattonside place to visit and learn more about the
get behind, and a huge local push to get more St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve is also a stunning to sample their wares, exceptionally stylish production of its whisky and gin, with tours,
girls involved in the sport too. place to visit, with clifftop vantage points and the restaurant The Hoebridge is among the an onsite shop and even the opportunity to
chance to see seabird colonies up close.
finest the Borders has to offer. Offering small, purchase your own private whisky cask, while
seasonal menus and local produce, this is a for beer lovers, the Tempest taproom and
The beautiful beaches of Coldingham Bay and seriously impressive spot to dine. brewery in Tweedbank is a great day out.
Scott’s View looking to Eyemouth offer gorgeous scenery and a relaxed
the Eildon Hills
atmosphere, as well as activities including
paddle boarding and surfing. For those brave There’s The Caddy Mann in Jedburgh, which For coffee aficionados, Three Hills Coffee Co
is a small local roastery and shop in Selkirk,
has won awards for its seasonal fare, while
enough to enjoy wild swimming, there are many Melrose’s Provender has garnered much which supplies many of the local cafes and
lochs to take a dip in too.
acclaim for its Scottish/French menu. Wilson’s restaurants too.
Farm & Kitchen is a unique offering, with
renovated bothies and stables providing a Ready to search for your new home in the Scottish
picturesque backdrop to delicious, farm-to- Borders? Head to espc.com today!
fork dining.
For a family day out, Ron Hastings recommends
the Hirsel Estate in Coldstream: “Visit the 500-
acre park, and walk the rhododendron and
azalea woodland, before visiting the tearoom
for lunch and homemade treats. There’s a
glass workshop and museum on site, and you
can spot swans, ducks and herds of Highland
cow as you walk the grounds.” Hirsel Estate, Coldstream
Credit: Rodney Hutchinson/Shutterstock.com

30 | espc.com espc.com | 31