Welcome to the Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys – a beautiful and mostly undiscovered part of the Scottish Borders. It’s a peaceful area where you can get close to nature, walk the hills and trails, cycle, fish, discover our heritage and tradition of balladry - or just simply relax!
The famous novelist Sir Walter Scott spent time here and James Hogg, the celebrated Scottish poet and novelist, known as the Ettrick Shepherd, was born and lived here all his life. Tower Houses dotted around the valleys are evidence of a turbulent past of raiding and ‘reiving’ across the Scottish - English border. Standing stones and bronze age settlements are links to even more ancient times.
There are walks for all ages and abilities and a variety of outdoor pursuits such as horse riding, fishing, cycle touring and mountain biking, watersports and even paragliding – or you can simply explore the rolling landscape at your leisure.
The valleys offer some of the most beautiful and remote scenery in Scotland. Take a trip to St Mary's Loch and the Loch of the Lowes or visit the Ettrick Marshes. But wherever you are, you'll be surrounded by beautiful views and the peace and tranquility of the area.
Whatever your interests, there will be many good reasons to visit, stay in and return to the valleys – click on the green menu tabs above to find out more. Or download the 15-page guide to the area, or look at the maps to get an idea of what to see and do.
See you soon!
3 hr Workshops starting 10am and 1.30 suitable for 14+yrs £10 per sesion
The landscape of the Bowhill Estate is rich in archaeological remains from many different eras. To celebrate Visit Scotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017, we are hosting an introduction to archaeology aimed at beginners.
A stone’s throw away from our courtyard lies the site of a pre-Roman fort. In four sessions, lasting 3 hours each, we plan to investigate this site using a series of test pits to try to better understand this part of Bowhill’s ancient past. The finds will be analysed post-excavation with the help of experts, and participants will have the chance to attend a presentation on the results.
If you have an interest in archaeology, come and join us for as many of the sessions as you like over the weekend. All materials and instruction provided.
Workshops at 10.00am and 1.30pm, lasting 3 hours each.
Not suitable for under 14s.
Booking essential. For more information or to secure your place, please call 01750 22204 or email [email protected].
Bowhill House suitable for 6yrs and over £5.00 per child
eturning for a second year our Saturday Club will bring some of the fun of Holiday Club to the weekends, a chance to leave the parents behind and get out for some woodland fun! Running throughout the season sessions will include favourites like den building along with some bush craft, fire lighting and woodland games.
The club is suitable for age 6 and over. Over 8’s can be left unattended.
Price: £5 per child.
Booking recommended. To secure your place, please call 01750 22204 or email [email protected].
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