What to see and do, Selkirk in the Scottish Borders
An introduction to Selkirk
The Royal Burgh of Selkirk lies on the Ettrick Water, a tributary of the River Tweed. The town stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys between Hawick and Galashiels, it is steeped in history and boasts wonderful scenery and views. Selkirk and surrounding area offers visitors a wide variety of things to see and do. And for those tracing their ancestry, where names such as Hogg, Bell and Scott were most common, there is the excellent Scottish Borders Archive & Local History Centre close by in Hawick.
Local Attractions and Events
Sir Walter Scott served as Sheriff of Selkirk for 33 years. Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom today features a fascinating audio-visual presentation of Scott's
Halliwell's House, the town's oldest dwelling, is now the local museum, where it highlights the building's links with the ironmongery trade and the Robson Gallery provides a venue for exhibitions. Clapperton's Daylight Photographic Studio is a working museum and photographic archive.
Selkirk is home to two small glass workshops, namely Lindean Glass and Twist Glass, where you will see skilled craftsmen at work with the opportunity to purchase top quality products too.
Lochcarron of Scotland have relocated from Galashiels to Selkirk and their Visitor Centre and retail outlet is one of the must visit attractions in the Borders and boasts the areas only working Mill Tour.
The beauty of the surrounding countryside and the area's rich heritage have historically provided genuine inspiration for writers such as Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg the 'Ettrick Shepherd', an exhibition featuring his life and work is displayed in Bowhill. Bowhill House is three miles west of Selkirk, a Georgian mansion set in extensive grounds with beautiful woodland walks and an adventure playground. Its Little Theatre hosts drama and music performances.
Selkirk Common Riding, with over 400 riders taking part, is recognised as one of the oldest of the famous Border Festivals and dates from the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The Festival is always held on the second Friday after the first Monday in June, when the town's boundaries or 'marches' are ridden. The culmination of the day involves the town's Standard Bearer casting, or flying, the town's standard in the Market Square.
Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre is a great attraction for all ages, learn all about the life cycle of the King of fish . See what dangers lie in the river and how many survive after the female salmon has laid 5,000 eggs and watch the Salmon live on the interactive video screen and choose from 4 different cameras around the edge of the Ettrick River.
Outdoor Activities
There are some fantastic walking routes in and around Selkirk.
The Border Abbeys Way is a circular route covering many of the main Borders towns, as well as linking the four great Border Abbeys on foot. The route can be walked in sections from Kelso to Jedburgh, Jedburgh on through Denholm to Hawick, and Hawick to Selkirk, Selkirk to Melrose, and Melrose through to Kelso via Dryburgh completing the loop. This route is ideal for a long distance walker or a leisure walker on a short break, and it takes in the wonderful Borders countryside with spectacular views, catch a glimpse of wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
Southern Upland Way 212 miles (340km) from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath is a long distance coast to coast route which passes close to Selkirk and the County is an ideal stopping off point. You can of course walk individual sections of the route, highly recommended is the section close to Selkirk from Yair Forest leading to the Minch Moor.
There are a number of forest walks close to the town and some areas of private woodland are also open for recreation, for example the extensive woods of the Bowhill Estate near Selkirk. A walk here can (in summer) be combined with a visit to Bowhill House, one of the homes of the Duke of Buccleuch. The old carriage track known as the Duchesses Drive links Bowhill with the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys and makes a fine circular walk of about 6 miles (10km). This route is also used for horse riding.
Cycling - there are four colour coded, signed, cycle trails from Selkirk. All are loops and start from the Selkirk Leisure Centre. Varying in length from 7-19 miles they include the Bowhill Trail, a 7-mile route through the Ettrick Valley and the 16 mile Midlem and Lilliesleaf Trail. This passes Lindean Loch, takes in views of the Cheviot Hills and meanders through the pretty villages of Midlem, ideally situated as a picnic stop, and Lilliesleaf village.
Close to Selkirk, only 14 miles, there is Innerleithen Mountain Bike Trail, one of the famous 7stanes sites and in May Selkirk hosts a leg of the MTB Marathon Series.
Selkirk Golf Course is an excellent and picturesque 9hole course and The Woll, an 18 hole course is only 5 miles from the town in Ashkirk. Both courses are part of the Scottish Borders Freedom of the Fairways golf passport scheme.
For guides tours of the the Borders, Borders Journeys provide organised and individually designed guided tours of the Scottish Borders and Dumfriesshire.
Tweed Guide - Scotland's Leading River Guiding Service
Guided all inclusive (equipment waders and permits + guide/instructor)
Day and half day packages.
Wild Brown Trout /Grayling, Salmon on the Tweed.
Beginner to experienced anglers, Individual to groups of 30.
One click or call and we do it all. Tel: 00 44 (0)7962 401770 Email
