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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

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