The Tweed Valley is alive with colour and activity throughout the autumn! From fishing and golf to cycling and axe throwing, we have outdoor adventures for all across five hub sites and areas. Which of our mini activity destinations will you fall for this season?
peebles hydro hotel
Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes at this iconic spa hotel on Venlaw Hill. Once a retreat for Victorian visitors attracted by its hydropathic remedies, the hotel now boasts a healthy programme of activity – in and out of the water!
For those seeking gentle adventure, a one-hour alpaca trek with Barry, Nigel or Steven – the hotel’s three furry friends – is a boost for both body and soul. Take your time, take in the Tweed Valley views and definitely take a selfie or two to remind you of your time spent outdoors with these calm and curious creatures.
When you’re ready to unleash your inner Viking (or Merida the Brave), the hotel can kit you up for a spot of archery, rifle shooting or even axe throwing. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried your hand at these activities before, full instruction (and safety briefing) will be provided. Just bring along a keen eye, a steady hand, and adventurous spirit …
Are you more a fast and furious type? Check out the hotel’s eco-friendly and electric EZ Raiders. These all-terrain, four-wheeled vehicles will whisk you into the hills above Peebles in no time – and are an exhilarating way to discover more about the history and landscape that has shaped this historic hotel. Hold on tight!
Refuel: Peebles Hydro Grill Room, Miller Lounge or 1881 Gin Distillery
glentress forest
Of all seven of the spectacular forests that comprise the Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress arguably offers most in terms of adventure and activity for all. An accessible, multi-use trail connects visitors to the forest’s attractions, shop and café.
Scotland’s spiritual mountain biking home, Glentress has a world-wide reputation for its off-road cycling. It may have hosted the cross-country events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs, but its network of green, blue, red and black trails also cater for less experienced (less elite!) riders looking for their own hero moments in the saddle.
For those preferring to tackle the hills on foot rather than by bike, Glentress offers miles of walking and trail running happiness through the trees. Warm up the legs on the gentle Tweed Valley Railway Path that connects the forest to local towns and villages – then head high into the forest! The excellent Glentress Winter Trail Runs are a fabulous end-goal for your training.
Ready to dial up the adventure? Go Ape Glentress Forest is a must for thrill-seekers aged 10+ looking for a big day out. Featuring Scotland’s highest zip-wire (a whopping 160ft high), the treetop challenge is a workout for both body and mind, with a series of obstacles including step ladders and tarzan swings that escalate in difficulty. It’s not for the faint-hearted!
Refuel: Glentress Forest Café or Riders Retreat Glentress
cardrona & kailzie
A short jaunt up the valley from Glentress Forest lies the small village of Cardrona. Often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Peebles or Innerleithen, this mini destination offers everything from gardens to golf.
There’s colour and character galore at the beautiful Kailzie Gardens, especially through the autumn months. Take a leisurely stroll along the burnside walk or through the walled garden, admiring the canopy of trees, including a larch considered by some arboriculturists to be the oldest in Scotland. There’s putting, petanque and fishing on site, too.
Nearby Kailzie Equestrian offer lessons and hacks in the hills for riders of all abilities. The tranquil pathways of Cardrona Forest are a favoured playground for these horseback adventures and part of an extensive network of horse riding trails that span the Borders and south Scotland.
And when you’re ready to retire to the golf course, there’s a treat in store at the excellent Macdonald Cardrona Hotel. The championship golf course is bordered by the majestic River Tweed and rolling hills and forests of the valley, a dramatic backdrop for any 9 or 18-hole adventure. Round off your day with a soothing visit to the hotel’s spa and leisure centre.
Refuel: Kailzie Courtyard Café or Macdonald Cardrona Hotel
innerleithen
The former mill town of Innerleithen has reinvented itself in recent years as a hub for outdoorsy types. Bounded on both sides by dramatic peaks and forests, this vibrant town along the banks of the Tweed is a magnet for hikers and bikers – plus a hopeful angler or two!
Whether your walking wish-list is mild or wild, Innerleithen has it all. An easy stroll through Toll Wood to the Tweed and back; a punchy climb through Caberston Forest to visit the Pirn Hill sculptures; a there-and-back pilgrimage to the summit of Lee Pen; or even tackling sections of the Southern Upland Way. Pick your route, pack your flask … and head out and explore.
Innerleithen has a fearsome reputation for downhill mountain biking. But there’s a more gentle side to cycling here too. Discover nearby Walkerburn via the Tweed Valley Railway Path in our 10 Classic Bike Routes guide, along with an off-road adventure to the magical Glen Estate and Loch Eddy – a route for everyone’s autumn hit list.
One of the most celebrated rivers in Scotland, the Tweed produces more fish caught to the fly than anywhere else in Britain. And it’s the king of fish, the salmon, that attracts most anglers to the Upper Tweed through the autumn. The two miles of fishing available at Traquair are particularly beautiful, with a local guide available if needed.
Refuel: No.1 Peebles Road, FINDRA Shop & Cafe, Loulabelles Sweet Treats, Haus & Co and Caddon View Sitooterie – plus the fab Caberston Farm Cafe in Walkerburn.
philiphaugh estate
The Battle of Philiphaugh took place on this historic estate, just outside Selkirk, in 1645. Any trace of this fierce and bloody battle has long since vanished, with the destination now more suited to activities of a peaceful nature – including an appreciation of the local landscape and wildlife.
Anglers and wildlife spotters can enjoy an intimate view of the king of fish at the Salmon Viewing Centre on the estate. Live underwater cameras and interactive displays shine a light on this treasured species – you may even catch a glimpse of one battling upstream at the nearby cauld.
The estate and surrounding hills are home to a small network of walking (and cycling paths) that take in the walled gardens and famous battle sites. There are river-level tracks for those happy with a pre-coffee amble – and the more strenuous Three Brethren circuit for hikers in search of huge, 16th century cairns (and a dramatic viewpoint).
For a long and rewarding adventure in the saddle, nearby Selkirk is the start point of Challenge Stage 4 (95km) of the fabulous Kirkpatrick C2C – the south of Scotland’s coast to coast cycle route. For a slightly shorter ride out, check out the Philiphaugh and Bowhill loop in our 10 Classic Bike Routes guide (but note the Bowhill House option is closed from Sept).
Refuel: The Waterwheel Café
Further info
This is just a snapshot of the activities and adventures on offer in the valley this autumn. Drop into the Go Tweed Valley Visitor Centre in Peebles to find out what else is going on across our patch over the coming months – and do take a look at our Activity & Adventure pages for all the walking and cycling, running, fishing and golf inspiration you will ever need …
Image credits: Ian Linton Photography (main image, Peebles Golf Club); Peebles Hydro Hotel; Go Ape Peebles; Forestry & Land Scotland; Kailzie Gardens; Macdonald Cardrona Hotel; and South of Scotland Destination Alliance.