Undiscovered Scotland

 

The Scottish Borders is one of the most attractive and varied areas of Scotland, with a huge amount to offer both residents and visitors alike. Yet it is also one of the most overlooked parts of the country, with many visitors simply seeing it as somewhere to be crossed en route to the better-know attractions of Edinburgh or the Highlands and Islands: or circumvented altogether on the M74.

"15 Short Walks in the Scottish Borders" by Ronald Turnbull is a lovely little book that might help redress the balance. There's a sense in which the Scottish Borders is so varied, and large, that it's hard to know how to begin to get to grips with it. The fifteen walks in this book amount to a wonderful primer on the beauty and diversity on offer. The first three walks are on the North Sea coast, and range from the lovely hidden harbour of Cove and the magnificence of St Abb's Head to the shoreline on either side of the town of Eyemouth. The walks are then arranged generally from east to west, and include a number focused on settlements like Kelso, St Boswells, Hawick and Peebles. Others are built around the attainment of specific attractions like Edin's Hall Broch, the Waterloo Monument or the Eildon Hills.

The opening page of the books sets out its aims: "In this book you will find a selection of easy or moderate walks suitable for almost anyone, including casual walkers and families with children, or for when you only have a short time to fill. The routes have been carefully chosen to allow you to explore the area and its attractions. Most routes are circular or out-and-back... Although there may be some climbs, there is no challenging terrain, but do bear in mind that conditions can sometimes be wet or muddy underfoot."

You get a good sense of the book from the publisher's description: "Would you like to explore the best of the Scottish Borders? This guidebook covers 15 of the best short walks in the area (between 6 and 11.5km, all under three hours), including St Abb's Head, Eyemouth Shores, Wideopen Hill, Eildon Hills, Hawick, Peebles and Neidpath Castle. Why choose this guidebook? Easy to moderate walks suitable for almost everyone Short climbs but no challenging terrain Numbered points which tie OS maps to clear route description Facilities, parking and highlights for every route Route Summary Table to help you choose your walk Cicerone’s Short Walks guidebooks contain everything you need to get outdoors and discover the best of an area. The routes are perfect if you’re new to walking or looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. Let the adventures begin!"