Getting Oriented

Once a battleground region separating Scotland and England, today the Borders area is a gateway between the two countries. This is a place of upland moors and hills, fertile farmland, and forested river valleys. It's rustic and peaceful, with century-old textile mills, abbeys, castles, and gardens. The area is a big draw for hikers and walking enthusiasts, too. The Borders region is also steeped in history; the area was once home to Sir Walter Scott and Mary Queen of Scots.

The Borders. Borders towns cluster around and between two great rivers—the Tweed and its tributary, the Teviot. These are mostly textile towns with plenty of personality, filled with residents with fierce pride in their local municipalities. The area's top attractions include Jedburgh Abbey, Floors Castle in Kelso, and Abbotsford House just outside Melrose.

Dumfries and Galloway. Easygoing and peaceful, towns in this region are usually very attractive, with wide streets and colorful buildings. Highlights here include Caerlaverock Castle, Threave Castle, Castle Kennedy, and Logan Botanic Gardens.