Quite apart from its salmon fishing, the Scottish Borders has much else to offer. With the Tweed having been the border between Scotland and England for many centuries its valley is full of history with many peel towers, defensive castles, old abbeys and magnificent country houses. Many of these are open to the public so, if ever water conditions are impossible for fishing, there is plenty to see and do in the area. Scotland's capital Edinburgh is only an hour's drive away and, in addition, there are many traditional woollen mills which have their own popular and very reasonably priced shops.

The Borders countryside is well known for its beauty, and the valley of the Tweed is perhaps the best part of all. The Southern Upland Hills and, in particular, the Eildons, form magnificent backdrops to the river and all along it there are a succession of landscaped parks and woods belonging to the great Border houses. Sir Walter Scott, the Borders' most famous writer, gave his name to the most spectacular view of the river "Scott's View" near Bemersyde, which is well signposted and very much worth a visit.


 © - James Leeming