Things To Do

We are well situated to visit many major towns such as Edinburgh,Newcastle and Carlisle, these are just over an hour and 20 minutes away. The east coast is about an hour and a half away. The two nearest towns are Hawick and Jedburgh, which are both approximately 8 miles from Bonchester Bridge. The towns of Melrose, Kelso and Peebles are just a short drive away and are a joy to explore at leisure. There are many activities available locally in the scottish Borders and further afield in Northumberland and Cumbria. The Borders also offer some superb walking and cycling, be it on the coast, over the breathtaking hillsides or amongst the enchanting Border forests.

Wauchope Forest

There are plenty of walks direct from your cottage door. Wauchope forest covers a very large area and some of the walks and cycle tracks are signposted

Jedburgh

The historic town of Jedburgh is a small, quiet town, located about 8 miles from the cottages. Set amidst the stunning countryside of the Scottish Borders, Jedburgh has much to offer visitors

There are charming shops, pubs and award-winning family run restaurants to enjoy nearby, as well as historic attractions such as the fascinating Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre and the imposing abbey, which towers over the town and dates back to 1138.

Hawick

Hawick is the largest of the Border towns and internationally famous for fine quality knitwear. It has been a winner of the national floral awards on several occasions. Hawick has a long and colourful history which can be traced back to the 12th century. Today Hawick is part of the TextileTrail and a major centre for industry in the Scottish Borders.

Attractions include the Borders Textile Towerhouse , Wilton Lodge Park, on the wooded banks of the River Teviot, Hawick Museum, Scott Gallery and the Cashmere Centre .

Cycling

There are several local mounting bike trails in Wauchope forest. The 7Stanes centre at Newcastleton is about 30 minutes away from the cottages. Keilder Forest a further 15 minutes drive, where you can find some easy trails around Kielder water. We are also within a 60 minute drive to Glentress Forest, which has some of the larger and more challenging trails.

There are numerous road cycling routes for those who prefer the tarmac to forest trails. including the Four Abbeys Cycleway, Tweed Cycle Route, and Borderloop tour.

Local trails include the Denholm Circular (14 miles), Cavers & Stobs (19 miles), and Vertish Hill Loop (7 miles). Many more local cycle routes can be viewed  at the Cycle Scottish Borders Website

Golf

There are over 20 golf courses in the Scottish borders, 14 of these are within a 20 mile radius of Wauchope Cottages. Hawick, Jedburgh and Minto Golf courses are all within 10 miles of the cottages

Hawick Golf Club  the oldest golf club in the Borders, has been in existence since 1877. Located on the picturesque Vertish Hill on the outskirts of Hawick

Jedburgh Golf Club  was founded in 1893, and was built on land belonging to Lothian Estates. The original layout was designed by Willie Park of Musselburgh and consisted of 9 holes. Extended from 9 to 18 holes in 2006, the course has matured nicely and offers an abundance of natural beauty - a good challenge to every golfer

 Minto Golf Club was established in 1928. Set in parklands on the lower slopes of Minto Hill, it faces south over the Teviot valley a mile and a half north of the attractive 17th century village of Denholm and almost half way between the towns of Hawick and Jedburgh.

Swimming

There are two pools available, the biggest of the two is in Hawick

Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick

Laidlaw Memorial Pool and Fitness Centre in Jedburgh

Horse Riding

The Ian Stark Equestrian Centre. Located in Ashkirk, just a short drive from Hawick on the A7, the centre is the premier venue for all things equestrian in the south of Scotland. It offers riding lessons and expansive hacking and trekking.

The centre is BHS approved and all instructors are first aid trained and have full disclosures. There is also the opportunity to have lessons with Ian Stark.