East Scottish Borders

The eastern Scottish Borders is a mixed landscape of low-lying hills, extensive moors and a dramatic coastline that contrast with rich farmland and the wooded river banks of the ever-present Tweed shadowing the border as it heads to the sea.

The low Lammermuir Hills with their extensive grouse moors and wooded valleys form a natural border with the Lothians to the north. The area is excellent walking terrain and the Southern Upland Way cuts along the slopes en route to Cockburnspath on the coast.

The Borders coastline is relatively short but undeniably dramatic. From the various cliff-top paths, there are spectacular views of the towering red cliffs and rocky outcrops of the rugged Berwickshire coast, especially at high tide on a stormy day. The major attraction, however, is the St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve with sheer, seabird-nesting cliffs rising some 300 feet above the water. The coastal waters off Eyemouth and St Abbs also provide some of the east coast's best diving locations while the fine sandy beach at Coldingham Bay is a haven for surfers.

The eastern Borders also boast a variety of attractive sites of historic interest such as the impressive Manderston House and the Jim Clark Room at Duns, and Paxton House, a few miles south of Eyemouth.