The Tweed Valley

The Scottish Borders has it all

But often gives way to the Highlands and Islands. If you’re not sure what the Scottish Borders has to offer on a motorhome & campervan adventure, read on and discover that it really does have something for everyone.

This article focuses on the Tweed Valley area of the Scottish Borders, home to Zoom Motorhome & Campervan Hire.

The Tweed valley is only a stone’s throw from Edinburgh and Glasgow and has good transport links from the Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh airport.

Read on for suggestions of places to visit and things to do. while visiting the Tweed Valley!

Zip line through forest trees- Scotland motorhome hire

If you love that rush of adrenalin there’s also the following

Go Ape tree top adventure…Imagine zip wiring at a height of 160 feet for 325 meters over the Glentress mountain biking trails and open water…If you’re not keen on heights I would go for a relaxing walk or a nice coffee at Glentress café.

https://goape.co.uk/locations/glentress-forest

For the mountain bikers in the Peebles area:

Glentress, 7Stanes – a full mountain biking hub with trails suitable for all levels and ages. Parking, café and bike hire all available here. For more info please visit

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/tweed-valley-forest-park/glentress

Innerleithen 7Stanes, Scottish Borders

Four “Bike Park Extreme” orange graded downhill trails and a challenging, red-graded cross country trail…definitely not for the faint hearted!!

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/tweed-valley-forest-park/innerleithen

Red mountain bike on trail with beautiful view of the Scottish Borders - Scotland motorhome hire
7 Stanes mountain bike trails, Innerleithen
  • SHARE:
Kayak floating down the river Tweed - hire a campervan from Zoom and you can also enjoy a bit of Kayaking
Bigger Adventure Kayak Hire
  • SHARE:

For the adventurers:

If you fancy a jaunt along the river Tweed in a kayak, (or a white knuckle ride depending on the weather), check out ‘The Biggar Adventure’. They also offer a wide range of outdoor activities from Archery to rock climbing.

https://www.biggaradventure.co.uk/

Walking:

A few miles past the loch you will get to The Grey Mares Tail, a spectacular 60-meter waterfall cascading down the cliff face from the awe-inspiring Loch Skeen. You can walk up the steep rocky path alongside the waterfall to reach Loch Skeen. It’s a challenging walk but well worth the effort, you won’t be disappointed with the breath-taking scenery here.

  • SHARE:

KAILZIE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE:

Want to try your hand at horse riding? Just a mile outside of Peebles you will find the Kailzie Equestrian Centre, offering beginners lessons and hacks through the beautiful Scottish Border’s. Booking is essential, please email: susykailzie@gmail.com or call 07703 165777

Alpacas

If you are not sure about exploring on horseback, there’s always the local Alpaca farm https://velvethall-alpacas.co.uk/ where you can take the Alpacas for a trek (another of my personal favourite local activities) and then hang out and feed them carrots after the trek.

Kailzie Equestrian Centre, Peebles
Kailzie Equestrian Centre nr. Peebles
  • SHARE:
Motor home hire in Peebles, Scottish Borders
Dawyck Botanic Gardens
  • SHARE:

For the Botanists

Dawyck Botanic Gardens, Scottish Borders

Perfect for all seasons, with carpets of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells in Spring, to the stunning Azalea terrace in early Summer, the amazing changing colours of Autumn as well as host to one of Scotland’s finest tree collections.

Facilities include an award winning Visitor Centre, Café and Shop.

https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/dawyck-botanic-garden/

If you’re a budding historian, we highly recommend you visit the Scottish Borders:

Traquair house, Scottish Borders

Scotland’s oldest inhabited house dating back to 1107 and lived in by the Stuart family to this day since the late 1400’s. Traquair house has been visited by many Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.

It is just a few miles from Peebles and a great day out for all the family. There is so much history to soak up, a giant maze to spend hours getting lost within, a play area to wear the kids out (big and small), some lovely woodland walks with epic climbing trees along the way and Traquair House even has its own brewery! Once you’ve finished exploring why not head to the very picturesque Garden Café for a delicious home cooked bite to eat, followed by some retail therapy in the Craft workshops and Brewery shop. There really is something for everyone.

Neidpath Castle, Scottish Borders

A 14th century Keep, steeped in history, situated in the most picturesque setting high above the River Tweed.

A visit to Neidpath Castle offers a rare opportunity to see a medieval stronghold that has survived through centuries and long periods of neglect. The upper storeys of the tower’s wing had collapsed by the 1790’s, and it is partly due to a fortunate change in the line of inheritance that the remaining structure has been successfully maintained and improved to this day.

Today it is a hugely popular wedding venue and filming location. Tours are available by appointment only.

The (not always!!) more gentle approach…..

Walking

There are plenty of beautiful walks around the Tweed Valley to suit all different levels. We recommend you visit the “Go Tweed Valley” website https://www.gotweedvalley.co.uk/hiking where you will find a whole section for all levels of walkers.

Golf

Peebles has a gem of a golf course, designed by Harry Colt, it is fun and challenging and suitable for all ages. Situated above the town, overlooking the Tweed Valley, the views are incredible and keen golfers flock to from near and far. Even if you aren’t a golfer its worth a walk to the top just to get the views! https://www.peeblesgolfclub.com

Fishing

Obviously being situated on the River Tweed which is famous for its Salmon, fishing is very popular. It has a good long season from 1st February – 30th November, so as long as you are here between these dates you will be able to get a spot of fishing in. For more information, please visit https://www.fishpal.com/search/in/tweed

Shopping and Eating

Peebles is well on the independent high street map for its bustling High Street. With a plethora of fantastic shops, cafes and restaurants it’s a shoppers and foodies heaven. From an artisan baker, a master chocolatier, an artisan wine shop, a quality butchers to boutique clothes and gift shops we have it all!!

With all this on Zoom Motorhome Hire’s doorstep, you might be wondering where to stay and sneak in some stargazing. With minimal light pollution, we recommend the following places:

Glentress Forest Lodges

As well as the lodges there are 10 hard standing pitches with hook up and only couple of miles from Peebles, this is a great location to stay and to do some stargazing. https://www.glentressforestlodges.co.uk/

Tweedside Caravan Park

Situated in Innerleithen, right on the banks of the Tweed and just 15 minutes form Peebles, this is another lovely campsite, within easy walking distance of Innerleithen High Street and good bus links to Peebles.

Address: 

Montgomery Street, Innerleithen EH44 6JS

Phone: 01896 831271

For local overnight stopovers without facilities please go to

https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/

In short, the Tweed Valley is the ideal place to explore on a campervan or motorhome holiday in Scotland…..what are you waiting for, get your bags packed and get exploring!! Oh and P.S, remember there’s no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes!!

Scottish Loch with amazing reflection of the sky
Beautiful Scottish Loch
  • SHARE:

“Know Before You Go!”

Opening hours: There are lots of suggestions for places to visit on the following pages and while we absolutely want you to make the most of your trip, it is important to note that many visitor attractions and places of interest now require you to book in advance. This is because they may have restricted opening hours or may be closed temporarily due to Covid-19.

In addition many places of interest in Scotland have seasonal opening hours and close during the winter months. Please follow the links to the places of interest and suggested routes to check in advance of your visit and avoid disappointment on the day!