Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys - that's the place

Welcome to the Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys – a beautiful and mostly undiscovered part of the Scottish Borders.  It’s a peaceful area where you can get close to nature, walk the hills and trails, cycle, fish, discover our heritage and tradition of balladry - or just simply relax!

The famous novelist Sir Walter Scott spent time here and James Hogg, the celebrated Scottish poet and novelist, known as the Ettrick Shepherd, was born and lived here all his life.  Tower Houses dotted around the valleys are evidence of a turbulent past of raiding and ‘reiving’ across the Scottish - English border.  Standing stones and bronze age settlements are links to even more ancient times.

There are walks for all ages and abilities and a variety of outdoor pursuits such as horse riding, fishing, cycle touring and mountain biking, watersports and even paragliding  – or you can simply explore the rolling landscape at your leisure.

The valleys offer some of the most beautiful and remote scenery in Scotland.  Take a trip to St Mary's Loch and the Loch of the Lowes or visit the Ettrick Marshes.  But wherever you are, you'll be surrounded by beautiful views and the peace and tranquility of the area.

Whatever your interests, there will be many good reasons to visit, stay in and return to the valleys – click on the green menu tabs above to find out more.  Or download the 15-page guide to the area, or look at the maps to get an idea of what to see and do.

See you soon!

Above: Click on a date if it has a green background to view events.