The Scottish Borders Railway line once called the Waverley Route after novel’s by Sir Walter Scott, re-opened last year for the first time since 1969. The golden age of train travel has returned along with the Victorian romance that once was in George Bradshaw’s travel guide . So much has changed in those years but the scenery, rolling green hills, pastures and the grand stately homes remain as if time has stood still. Let me take you on a journey through history remembering some of Scotland’s great Scott’s and the beautiful Scottish Borders Railway .
The Golden Age of Train Travel Returns
From Edinburgh Waverley Station join the Scottish Borders Railway line which travels as far south as Tweedbank. The whole journey taking just 1 hour. It’s a great day out!
There are a number of attractions and places to visit ale such as Butterfly World, Newbattle Abbey, the National Mining Museum Scotland and Abbotsford House as well as much more but here are a few that are easily accessible and well worth a visit!
Scottish Borders Railway Line Highlights
Newtongrange
National Mining Museum Scotland
During the industrial age the Lady Victoria Colliery opened in 1849 named after Lady Victoria. When coal was at it’s hay day there was 10,000 tonnes for every man, women and child in Scotland. Today you can visit the mining museum and discover all the uses that coal had and still has, as well as discovering how James Watt revolutionised the working of the mines with the steam engine, alongside a tour inside the mine. (There is a direct path to the National Mining Museum Scotland and the journey only takes a few minutes walk. It is best to check in advance the times of the mine tour to allow enough time for your visit).
Stow
The quaint Scottish Borders village Stow of Wedale or more commonly known as Stow, is a tranquil location to stop and enjoy lunch. The village is served by a corner shop/post office and the Cloudhouse Café. The Cloudhouse Café and Gallery offers a wide range of freshly made sandwiches/panini’s, homemade sweet treats and a selection of hot and cold beverages. (Limited train service to and from Stow).
Tweedbank
Abbotsford House
The home of Sir Walter Scott – Abbotsford House is 20 minutes walk from Tweedbank Station on the Scottish Borders Railway line. Enjoy the walk around Tweedbank Lake with it’s swan’s, ducks and moorhens before reaching the grand stately home. Sir Walter Scott was and is still regarded as one of Scotland’s great Scots. As a poet and a novelist it will come as no surprise that the house has a grand library and as Sir Walter Scott was a huge fan of William Shakespeare, there you will also see the bust that was presented to Sir Walter Scott. Do take the time to explore this grand home and gardens alongside the audio tour, it brings it to life.
I hope I have inspired you to visit this beautiful part of Scotland – Scottish Borders.
If your looking for that extra bit of flexibility, why not hire a car and see more of the Scottish Borders or perhaps Scotland. There is a wide range of accommodation available both in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, did you know you can also stay at Abbotsford House ?
As always we would love to hear from you. Perhaps you have already travelled through the Scottish Borders Railway line? What were your highlights? Or is this your first time visiting Scotland and you have a question. Please leave any comments/questions below. We would love to help. And if you enjoyed reading don’t forget to share! Happy Travels:) x
Thank you to Scotrail, Cloudhouse Café and Abbotsford House.
Disclaimer: All comments and opinions are my own.
