Long Distance Walks
Melrose is fortunate to have several long distance walking routes that either pass through or start / end in the town. These routes are now promoted under ‘Scotland’s Great Trails’ banner.
These long-distance trails also offer the walker in Melrose the chance to enjoy a day, or part day, linear walk and to return to the town using local public transport links.
Some examples are given for each of the walks. Visit our Location page for further information about how to get here.
Southern Upland Way
The Southern Upland Way is Britain’s first official coast-to-coast long-distance path. Starting from Portpatrick on the southwest coast and finishing at Cockburnspath on the east, it runs across 214 miles of superb and varied country and is still undiscovered by many. There are no summits above 3000ft, but over 80 rise above 2000ft.
Melrose to Lauder: Distance: 15km/ 9.5.mls Ascent: 340m
St Cuthbert’s Way
The St Cuthbert’s Way, one of the most beautiful, varied and enjoyable long distance walking routes in Britain, and one of Scotland’s Great Trails, bridges the national border between Scotland and England. Its inspiring 100km (62.5 miles) cross-border route links Melrose in the Scottish Borders, where St. Cuthbert started his religious life in 650AD, with Holy Island off the Northumberland Coast, his eventual resting place and his original pilgrimage shrine.
Melrose to St Boswells. Distance: 13km/ 8mls. Ascent: 323m
Borders Abbey Way
The Borders Abbey Way is a circular walk in the heart of the Scottish Borders, full of attractive countryside passing by four 12th Century Abbeys and through several Border Towns. It is 64.5 miles / 103 km in length and is divided into five sections of roughly equal distances.
Melrose to Selkirk. Distance: 16.5km/ 10.5mls Ascent 278m
