Explore the interesting buildings, abbey and shops of Melrose before following both banks of the mighty River Tweed, returning via the Chain Bridge, a spectacular suspension footbridge.
Town streets, minor roads, riverside paths.
Bus to Melrose.
Melrose Abbey (car parking opposite).
Start from Melrose Abbey where there is a large (pay and display) car park adjacent. The Abbey is an impressive ruin with some parts dating from the 12th century. It was home to the first Cistercian monastry in Scotland and suffered a number of attacks from the English, most notably from Richard II in 1385 which resulted in an almost total re-build, most of the rose-stone abbey seen today dates from after 1385. Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried in the chapter house and the abbey is famous for its stone carvings which include lute-playing angels, demons and hobgblins and a pig playing the bagpipes. To start the walk head south up Abbey Street.
This soon reaches the market square. Melrose has a lovely mix of buildings, and like many of the Borders towns, a number of traditional and characterful pubs. Turn right to follow High Street, passing a variety of independent shops. At the bottom of the street cross Buccleuch Street and continue on the right hand side of the road to pass Melrose rugby ground. Melrose is where Rugby Sevens was founded and the town hosts an annual festival for the game in April. There is also a popular rugby union team. After the rugby ground and park cross St Mary's Road and take the surfaced path which heads diagonally right, passing to the right of imposing parish church.
The path soon passes to the right of the bowling club and heads down to the riverside. Turn left here to pass an information board about the Southern Upland Way, which this route follows for a couple of short sections, and head along the river upstream. After a lovely grassy stretch alongside the Tweed the path climbs slightly to pass Skirmish Hill where two powerful groups of nobles fought over the then 14 year old King James 5th.
When the path emerges onto the road turn right to reach Lowood Bridge, which is known locally as Bottle Brig as a bottle was incorporated into the stonework during construction. Traffic lights control the vehicles and there is room for pedestrians to cross but take care. Once on the far side turn right at the junction signed for Gattonside. The Southern Upland Way (which is heading north towards Lauder at this point on its 341km coast to coast journey) is eventually joined.
When the B6360 road bends left continue straight ahead onto a path signed for the Southern Upland Way to return to the riverbank. A weir, or cauld, is passed on the river and soon the impressive suspension Chain Bridge comes into view. This was built in 1826 to avoid the need to ford the river. It was originally a toll bridge and after you cross you will see the Toll House on the far side and the original toll notices can be seen on the bridge. The bridge was renovated and strengthened in 1991. Once across turn left to follow the track to the road, and turn right to return to Melrose Abbey and the start.
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