History Melrose nestling on the banks of the Tweed, in the shadow of the Eildon Hills, and lies at the very heart of the Scottish Borders. It is one of Scotland's most ancient burghs, set in a valley which once attracted the Romans, who established the large fort of Trimontium.
Christians from Lindisfarne followed in the 7th century, and built the predecessor of the current abbey, a little chapel at Old Melrose, two miles from the present town. In 1136, Kind David I founded the magnificent abbey whose ruins stand in the town today, where the heart of Robert the Bruce lies buried.
This land of myth and legend, of beautiful and contrasting scenery, was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's historic novels whose descriptions brought 18th century visitors (www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk) from around the world to experience the splendour at first hand.
Activities Despite its turbulent and often violent history, today the Borders exudes an aura of peace, tranquility and seclusion - a distinctive region within Scotland where you can re-discover that life need not always be so hectic. It is a place where you can simply relax, wandering quiet lanes or strolling the banks of the Tweed. Or explore the abundance of nearby castles, stately homes and peel towers, or visit Edinburgh, Scotland's magnificent capital, less than an hour's drive away. For the more energetic most countryside pursuits are available here on your doorstep- Walking, cycling, fishing, golf, pony trekking, tennis, canoeing, shooting, exploring and much more.
Walking & Cycling Pavilion cottage sits at the foot of the Eildon hills in the heart of the borders and as such is also at the centre of the regions superb hill walking and offers easy cycle routes along the River Tweed or more challenging routes can be found on the vast network quiet country roads . The walking from Melrose can cater to all levels of ability. Listed below are samples of a number of walks centred around or from Melrose by degrees of difficulty:
Melrose Town Trail A walking tour of the historic town of Melrose as you visit the Market Place, Gallows Brae, Masonic Lodge, The Wynd, the Abbey and the walk including Melrose Rugby Club at the Greenyards, birthplace of Rugby Sevens.
The Trimontium Walk A walk from Melrose to Newstead taking in the points of interest along the 2 mile route.
Eildon Hill Walk A slightly more challenging walk from Melrose to the top of the highest Eildon (422 metres)
St. Cuthberts Way A 62.5 mile route starting or finishing at Melrose linking the two religious sites of Lindisfarne or Holy Island and Melrose Abbey which are connected with St. Cuthbert.
Fishing Melrose nestles on the banks of the river Tweed, the queen of salmon rivers attracting anglers from all over the world. The long season runs from February 1st till 30th November.
Excellent trout fishing is also available locally on the rivers Ettrick, Leader, Teviot and Whiteadder.
Golf The landscaped garden of Pavilion Cottage is within a well struck driver’s distance of Melrose Golf Club also at the foot of Eildons providing commanding views over “Scott” countryside. A further 18 Golf courses from 9 hole courses all the way up to championship courses are available in the Borders offering uncrowded fairways and it is possible to take advantage of the excellent “freedom of the fairways” scheme enabling very competitive green fees.
The excellent links courses of East Lothian are also a short 45 minute drive away.
Exploring Within Melrose itself, there is much to explore from the attractive 18th century market square with its enviable selection of shops, restaurants and amenities, the Greenyards home to rugby 7s and further attractions include Melrose’s famous abbey with Robert the Bruce’s heart buried within its grounds, Harmony House and Priorwood Gardens.
Short distances from Melrose are the ancient abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso, there is also to be found a wealth of impressive mansions and castles many of which have been owned by the same families for generations, Abbotsford, Mellerstain, Floors Castle, Manderston and Traquair House to name a few.
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital with all its attractions is within an hours drive along with the coastal towns of East Lothian with their impressive beaches.
