3 Days in the Scottish Borders by Public Transport – Selkirk & Hawick

The Selkirk Town Trail is a self-guided walk that highlights the town’s rich history and character. Along the route, explore landmarks such as Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom and Halliwell’s House Museum, while learning about Selkirk’s weaving heritage, Border wars, and famous residents. Don’t miss the Auld Kirk: It was on this site that William Wallace was proclaimed Guardian of Scotland.

It’s an easy, engaging way to discover the stories and architecture that shaped one of the oldest Royal Burghs in Scotland.

The only Weaving Mill Tour in the Scottish Borders gives you a fascinating behind the scenes look at the highly skilled work that goes into making the famous tartan fabrics. Lochcarron of Scotland is the world’s leading manufacturer of authentic tartan, weaving cloth & accessories in the Scottish Borders since 1947. Come along and take a tour of the weaving mill and see how tartan is made for yourself. You will be guided by an expert from the Lochcarron team for a personal and tailor made tour that covers all aspects of production, from dyeing the yarn through to the finished article.

The Haining House, loch and surrounding woodlands are a stunning area of natural beauty. Just minutes from the town centre, it’s a beautiful estate with a scenic loch, woodland paths, and historic surroundings—perfect for a peaceful walk, spotting wildlife, and enjoying views

The Three Brethren cairns mark the boundaries of the estates of Philiphaugh, Yair and Selkirk Burgh at a height of 465m. They are visited by riders during the Selkirk Common Riding in June each year, offering stunning 360 degree views across the surrounding landscapes. Look out for the waterfall as you make your way through the forest at Corbie Linn, and in the summertime, enjoy the heather-clad hillsides.

On your way back from the Three Brethren, the route takes you into Philiphaugh Estate. Sitting above Selkirk, the expansive estate is steeped in history and natural wonder. Famously the site of the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645, today the estate is home to the Salmon Viewing Centre, a working walled garden, and the Waterwheel Cafe with its Golden Eagle Information Point.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife including red squirrels, kingfishers, roe deer and even otters.

The Borders Distillery opened in Hawick in 2018 – the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the region since 1837. Situated on the banks of the River Teviot in an award-winning conversion of the former Victorian electrical works, the distillery is open to tour, taste and explore.

Take the fascinating tour and learn how the distillery makes Single Malt Scotch Whisky, William Kerr’s Borders Gin, and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka. You’ll be guided round by the people who make the spirit, finished off with a tasting experience in The Tait Gallery Bar.

Hawick has a rich manufacturing heritage and an international reputation for producing quality goods.
From the ‘Home of Tweed’ and some of the best cashmere and knitwear producers in the world today to the first whisky distillery to open in the Scottish Borders since 1837. This special collection of weavers, knitters and distillers are all located between the four bridges of Hawick, and quite simply, nowhere else will you find such a wide range of premium Scottish products all made in the same town.
Discover for yourself what fashion houses, designers and discerning visitors have known for more than a century and source luxurious goods in the very place where they were created.

Borders Textile Towerhouse gives visitors a unique insight into the region’s history of knitwear and tweed manufacture. Displays of fashion, artefacts, photographs and film bring to life over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the local woollen industries. Changing exhibitions showcase the continuing importance of the area in the world of quality textiles.
Also discover the fascinating story of the 500-year-old tower itself, the oldest building in Hawick, built at the time of the Borders Reivers. In the early 1700s, the tower became a fine townhouse and, later still, the leading local hotel, the focal point of Hawick’s annual Common Riding.

Discover a town’s treasure in an historic house set in beautiful parkland. The 18th century mansion became home to the town’s museum in 1910 – the oldest museum in the Scottish Borders. The objects and fine works of art collected are not just about Hawick, but are a window on the world. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives and achievements of Hawick’s two tragic motorcycle champions, making the museum a magnet for motorcyclists.
The museum, sited next to Hawick’s impressive war memorial, houses the town’s hand-painted Rolls of Honour for those who lost their lives in the two world wars. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room tells the story of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars, with a fascinating collection of military memorabilia and wartime souvenirs on display.
Families will enjoy the Old Schoolroom and Park Gallery with their hands-on activities.

Hawick is famed for its many walking trails, taking in local history as well as stunning views. Keen walkers may favour the longer circular route to Horsnhole and Cavers, which follows the railway line out of Hawick. Exploring towards the north-east, it crosses the infamous Hornshole Bridge, where a skirmish between English soldiers and youth from Hawick led to a victory commemorated in the town’s flag.

Or head along a stretch of the Borders Abbeys Way towards Selkirk and the Calaburn and Drinkstone Hill route until you reach Stouslie Farm Shop for a taste of local produce, including a milkshake vending machine. These routes also take in the ancient drove road and are part of the annual celebration of the Hawick Common Riding’s tour of the marches, an important local tradition.

Galashiels, at the heart of the Scottish Borders, is a town rich in history and culture. Before you head back north by train, take time to explore its creative side, from festivals like the annual Braw Lads’ Gathering to the stories of its past brought to life at Old Gala House.