Outdoor adventures are in abundance in the Borders - with so many to choose from, you'll want to stay for at least a few days to make the most of the area!
Some of the most popular areas of natural beauty in the Borders include the Eildon Hills near Melrose. These dramatic prominences were once volcanoes and the distinctive shape is still very much there. Great views from the tops on a clear day for those who want the climb, whilst there are also some great valley walks for visitors looking for a more leisurely pace.
The Cheviot Hills straddle the border with England at the north end of the Northumberland National Park. Excellent birdwatching, waterfalls, rolling hills and verdant valleys can be found here.
St Mary's Loch is found in the Yarrow Valley near Selkirk. Steeped in history and thought to have inspired Sir Walter Scott, it's the largest natural loch in the Borders. These days it's a great place for walks, water sports and cycling, and there are plenty of opportunities to fish as well.
Scott's View overlooks the River Tweed and Eildon Hills, and was known to be one of the writer's favourite places to sit. These days you can walk up just to enjoy the views or combine it with a longer hike.
Glentress Forest is another great place for a walk, but here it's really all about the mountain biking. Some of the best trails in Scotland are to be found here, and it's a world class 7stanes venue. Just down the road is Innerleithen (also a 7stanes destination), where you'll find Red Bull's trails, which are great for thrill-seekers and more experienced riders. For those looking for a more gentle introduction to the sport, Newcastleton is the place to aim for.
In short, the Border is a hiker's paradise, and as it's not as synonymous with walking as some other parts of Scotland like the Highlands, it's comparatively quiet and you'll often have the trails to yourselves. Check out the excellent guides by Walk Scottish Borders for more inspiration.
A highlight for long-distance walkers is the Berwickshire Coastal Path, stretching almost 50km from Cockburnspath to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The walk takes in St Abbs Head lighthouse, bird nature reserve and the pretty villages of St Abbs and Eyemouth, as well as incorporating some impressive sections of cliff path.
There is a Go Ape centre in Glentress Forest, which makes a great day out for a family or group of friends.
Horse riding is particularly popular in the Cheviot Hills, but can be done across the Borders area. If you'd like something a little more 'out there', visit and trek with the alpacas at Beirhope near Kelso or Velvethall near Innerleithen.
The Scottish Borders offers excellent golf - there are clubs at Peebles, Torwoodlee, Lauder, Roxburghe, Woll and Kelso, to name but a few highlights.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities for fishing (river, loch and sea), quad-biking, archery and even surfing along the coast - one of the best places to do this is Pease Bay, near Cockburnspath.