Page 220 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

218 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

The Common Ridings
The Borders were once lawless: there
were wars with England and “reivers”
(cattle thieves) plagued the area. So,
around the 13th century, people had
to patrol their land on horseback.
Over the years, this evolved into the
annual Common Ridings, where a
man carrying the local flag gallops
around the town’s boundaries,
followed by hundreds of riders. In
summer, each Border town has its
own spectacular Common Riding.
6 Dryburgh Abbey
St Boswells, Melrose; TD6 ORQ
Founded in the 11th century and built
in soft red sandstone, Dryburgh Abbey
(open daily) was frequently damaged
in the Border wars between the Scots
and the English. However, its beauty is
still evident, making for a delightful
stroll around the ruins: the refectory’s
Above Characterful Abbotsford House, once ornate rose window, for example, is still
home to Sir Walter Scott Above top right 5 Kelso intact. Two famous Scots are buried
Floors Castle, still home to the Duke of Roxburghshire; TD5 here: the historical romance writer Sir
Roxburghe Above right Surviving West Kelso is a handsome town on the River Walter Scott, and WWI commander
tower of 12th-century Kelso Abbey Tweed. Near the main square are the Field-Marshal Earl Haig. Their graves are
ruins of 12th-century Kelso Abbey, in the ruined north transept chapel.
once one of Scotland’s richest abbeys, ª Take B6356 marked Earlston up to
still with traces of beautifully carved Scott’s View, with views of the Eildon
VISITING KELSO
stonework. On the edge of town is Hills. Beyond, turn left and left again at
Parking Floors Castle (May–Oct: open daily; www. two unmarked junctions and onto
If there are no spaces on the square, floorscastle.com), a grand stately home B6360. Pass under a viaduct, through
there are several small car parks in (1721) set in vast grounds and still Gattonside and turn left on B6374. Go
the vicinity, just off the B6461 in
Bowmont Street, East Bowmont home to the Duke of Roxburghe. The right towards A7 and A68, straight over
Street and Jamieson’s Entry. sumptuous rooms boast vibrant roundabout onto A6091, then left on
tapestries and paintings by masters B6360 to Abbotsford and car park.
such as Turner, Gainsborough and
WHERE TO STAY Hogarth. Golfers may want to try the 7 Abbotsford
Roxburgh Hotel Golf Course (see left). Melrose; TD6 9BQ
AROUND KELSO
The Roxburghe Hotel expensive ª Leave on A6089 towards Edinburgh, There’s more than a touch of drama
A little way south of Kelso, just off the exit left onto B6397, then turn left on about Abbotsford (mid-Mar–Nov: open
A698, this imposing historic house B6404. Turn right on B6356 through daily; www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk), which
has real fires in winter and is set in Clintmains and then left to Dryburgh was the home of 19th-century
extensive grounds. As well as luxurious Abbey and car park. novelist Sir Walter Scott, the author
rooms and suites, the hotel also boasts
its own golf course, sporting estate
and a fine, candlelit restaurant.
Heiton, TD5 8JZ; 01573 450 331;
www.roxburghe-hotel.net
AROUND ABBOTSFORD
Glen Hotel moderate
This handsome Victorian mansion
overlooking the River Ettrick has nine
rooms, plus a bar and restaurant. Local
outdoor activities include fishing.
Yarrow Terrace, Selkirk, TD7 5AS; 01750
20259; www.glenhotel.co.uk
Below The pretty gardens at 15th-century
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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