The days may be getting shorter, but the Tweed Valley isn’t slowing down! From busy festivals and cultural shows to some seasonal delights from the natural world, the area is bursting with activity this autumn. Here are 10 highlights …
biking big style
Whether you prefer fast and smooth, muddy and rooty or spectating from the other side of the tape, the Tweed Valley has you covered for two-wheeled action this autumn. Tour O The Borders, the epic closed-road sportive rolls out of town on 4 September, rewarding those who make it up the hills with some of the most impressive scenery the Scottish Borders has to offer. Two weeks later sees the arrival of the iconic Tweedlove Bike Festival, a three-day celebration of racing, riding, food and festivities in and around Peebles (16-18 September). With free entry to the bike village and live music, film and shopping to keep everyone entertained, if you didn’t have the biking bug before the festival, it’s guaranteed you will by the end.
walking the scottish borders
Rolling hills, riverside paths, dramatic ridges and enchanting woodlands – we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking routes around the Tweed Valley. Thankfully, the team behind the extremely popular Scottish Borders Walking Festival are back with a programme of walks that capture the valley at its seasonal best (4-10 September). This years’ walks are centred around the host towns of Galashiels and Stow, but visitors to the valley can enjoy a hike around Peebles, the Meldons and Neidpath Castle direct from Peebles, or routes like the Southern Upland Way and Loch Eddy and the Glen with a bit of prior organisation. And don’t worry if you miss the festival – we have enough inspiring walks on our website to keep you exploring throughout the season.
running for the hills
For those who enjoy a pacier loop of the forests and hilltops, look out for a pair of exciting day (and night) races on the cards this autumn. Now in its 38th year, the Two Breweries Hill Race from Traquair to Broughton (24 September) is a whopping 30km trail run over open moorland, heathery hillsides and country roads. The climbs may be punishing but the suffering more than worth it for the gorgeous views (and beer at the finish line!). The Tweed Valley Trail Run (1 October) also promises to be a gem of an event, with beautiful 5K, 10K and 20K trail runs in the day and a magical nightfall 10K in the evening. Runners can expect a stunning light display through the trees on a section of the course – and a classic after-party late into the evening!
return of the salmon
For the king of fish, autumn marks the end of a remarkable journey. Each year, Atlantic salmon travel hundreds of miles back to their breeding grounds and we’re fortunate to witness many of them in the rich waters of the River Tweed. Often spotted leaping through the air, these migrating fish are best seen at the caulds or salmon ladders dotted along the river – but for a more intimate view, head to the Salmon Viewing Centre at Philiphaugh. Live underwater cameras and interactive displays shine a light on this majestic creature (and you may catch a glimpse of one in action at the nearby cauld). Naturally, the autumn run heralds the return of a sport with historic connections to one of Scotland’s great salmon rivers. For the lowdown on the best fishing spots and guidance/instruction along this stretch of river, head to our fishing section.
leaf peeping
Scotland’s trees are a riot of colour in the autumn months. And where better to see this technicolour display than the world-class arboretum at Dawyck Botanic Garden. Home to one of the nation’s finest tree collections, these gorgeous gardens are a leaf peeper’s paradise from mid-September onwards. A rich landscape of reds, golds and browns fill the gardens, with the Japanese katsura and North American golden birch particular highlights; have your cameras on standby! British Sign Language (BSL) visitors can enjoy a guided autumn tour at Dawyck on 1 October; if you can’t make this date, there are plenty of other magical woodland walks to enjoy in and around the Tweed Valley this season.
cycling on stage &screen
If you haven’t had your fill of bike entertainment with the two events above, the Eastgate Theatre is on hand with a couple of tasty shows for cycling enthusiasts. First up is Ventoux (16 September), a gripping production that brings to life the classic head-to-head between Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani on the challenging Mont Ventoux stage of the Tour de France in 2000. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, then you definitely need to come and find out how this thrilling contest unfolded. The Big Bike Film Night (22 October) makes a welcome return to the Eastgate screen later in the season, with a beautifully curated selection of short films celebrating inspirational biking stories from around the world. Watch the trailer. Buy a ticket. Sit back and enjoy the show!
wood, glorious wood
Chainsaws at the ready! The Peebles Wood Market (formerly Peebles Forest Festival) is back for a two-day extravaganza of wood crafts, live demonstrations … and some serious conker action (22-23 October). Nothing says autumn quite as much as trees, so it’s only right that this festival dedicated to Scottish forestry and woodcraft is a seasonal highlight for visitors young and old. Some of the UK’s most creative chainsaw carvers take to Tweed Green to showcase their skills across the weekend – and of course the Scottish Conker Championships (run by Borders Forest Trust) are always a tense affair. Be sure to read the championship rules before ‘smash off’…
Further info
Looking for other activities and experiences in the Tweed Valley? Take a look at our See & Do section for inspiration.
Images: Hillside Outside; FLS; VisitScotland; Ian Linton Photography; Drew Forsythe; Rich Rowe