Lots of new things to do during a stay in the Scottish Borders
With a super busy Summer almost behind us, it’s starting to feel like we’re coming through the other side of the pandemic. Holiday-makers, wedding couples and their guests have been filling Aikwood’s rooms once again, reuniting with family and friends and enjoying the freedom to be able to explore new places across our lovely region, the South of Scotland. The best bit for us is that we help make that happen - and it’s so good to be back doing what we love.
And there’s been loads happening across the area with new visitor attractions and activities opening up. Here’s a few of our new favourites:
Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels
The Great Tapestry of Scotland was the brainchild of world-renowned author Alexander McCall Smith and is one of the world’s largest community arts projects. Hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 stitchers from across Scotland, over 300 miles of wool was used in creating the 160 linen panels (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of Shetland). The design of the panels is based on a narrative written by Scottish Borders-based award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat.
The new Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery, visitor centre, cafe and workshop space has just opened in Galashiels. Through the panels of the Tapestry, 420 million years of Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations and culture comes vividly to life. Check the website for opening times.
Trimontium Museum, Melrose
The Trimontium Fort near Newstead, just east of Melrose has a unique place in the history of Iron Age Scotland. It is the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall and the site of one of the largest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the British Isles.
A new museum in Melrose now tells its story providing a modern window on the pivotal and turbulent history of this frontier post, exploring 100 years of Roman occupation, which for much of its existence was the main forward base for the continued Roman invasion and occupation of Scotland.
The museum is open seven days a week, and the Trimontium Trust also organise guided walks to the Trimontium site and Melrose Town Trail walks.
Golden Eagle Centre, Philiphaugh, Selkirk
The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project was set up a few years ago to protect and increase the number of small, isolated and vulnerable population of Golden Eagles in the South of Scotland.
While the location of the custom-built aviaries have to be confidential, a brand new Eagle Information Point ‘The Eyrie’ has recently opened at the Waterwheel Tearoom on the Philiphaugh Estate just outside Selkirk not far from Aikwood.
Through a series of informative displays, visitors to the Eyrie can discover more about the history of golden eagles in the South of Scotland whilst also learning about the conservation work underway to boost their population in our southern skies. There’s lots to see and learn about for all ages – including the birds’ satellite tags, 3D printed golden eagle skulls and talons and real eagle feathers.
Whilst visiting The Eyrie you can also enjoy refreshments at the Waterwheel Tearoom, visit Philiphaugh gardens and take in scenic walks along the Ettrick Water and across the Philiphaugh Estate.
Wild Swimming, Paddle-boarding & Kayaking
Outdoor water activities have really taken off in the past 18 months and we’re lucky at Aikwood to be surrounded by a number of lochs where you can enjoy wild swimming and paddle-boarding.
Just half an hour away is St Mary’s Loch and home to a wonderful wee business, Kayak and SUP Hire Scottish Borders. Audrey and her team hire out quality paddleboards, kayaks and wetsuits and well as offering lessons for those that want a little advice before they hit the water! It’s lots and lots of fun - and the nearby Glen Cafe is a perfect stop off for coffee and cake or lunch.
e-bike Hire, Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys
The Valleys surrounding Aikwood are amazing to explore by bike, but if the rolling hills seem a bit daunting then an e-Bike is your answer. Our local Community Development Company now have a small fleet of all-terrain e-bikes for hire - the perfect way to explore the quiet valley roads or, if you’re more adventurous, to take to the many high-level tracks that wind into the hills or link across to the Yarrow Valley and to St Mary’s Loch.The hire cost includes a bike helmet, hi-viz waistcoat and maps of several suggested local cycle routes.
For your - and our- peace of mind, while many of the restrictions around size of gatherings and social distancing have been relaxed, we’re still following Covid protocols and taking extra care and precaution around guests and events – just so that we can continue to try and keep everyone as safe as they can be.
Here’s to many more guest adventures in the coming months!