Borders Abbeys Way
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The Borders Abbeys Way is a long-distance footpath in Selkirkshire and Roxburghshire. It is a circular walkway and is 64½ miles long.
The theme of the footpath is the ruined borders abbeys established by David I of Scotland along its way: Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey. These abbeys were wealthily endowed institutions which throve between the 12th and 16th centuries, and were closed during the Reformation. The way also includes the towns of Hawick and Selkirk.
Sections of the Walk
Most people choose to do the walk in five sections, giving a day for each section:
| Section | Distance | Start & end elevations | Highest points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelso to Jedburgh | 12 miles | 134 & 280 feet | 390 ft |
| Jedburgh to Hawick | 12½ miles | 280 & 344 feet | 985 & 563 ft |
| Hawick to Selkirk | 12½ miles | 344 & 564 feet | 999 & 1113 ft |
| Selkirk to Melrose | 10 miles | 564 & 320 feet | 880 ft |
| Melrose to Kelso | 17½ miles | 320 & 134 feet | 485 ft |
| Complete walk | 64½ miles | 1113 feet |
Along the Borders Abbeys Way there are several rivers: the Jed Water, River Teviot, River Tweed, Ale Water, and Rule Water.
See also
References
- Borders Abbeys Way
- Borders Abbeys Way route description and map (Walkhighlands).
- Visit Scotland: Walking the Borders Abbeys Way
- The Long Distance Walkers Association: Borders Abbeys Way
- Walking Magazine: "Borders of History"
- Britain: "Break for the Borders" Also mention of the Tironsian Abbey in Selkirk