The best walks and hikes around Kelso

Yes, many trails in the Kelso area are great for walking with dogs. The region's riverside paths and forest tracks offer plenty of space. For a well-regarded walk that locals enjoy with their dogs, consider the loop starting near St Andrew's Church. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near livestock, and follow local signage.

Kelso is well-suited for family outings, with over a dozen easy-rated trails. These routes typically feature gentle terrain and are shorter in length. A popular choice is the 'Two Bridges Walk', an easy circular route that takes in the town's historic bridges and offers lovely riverside scenery without being too strenuous.

While most trails directly around Kelso are moderate, there are more demanding options. The longest route in this collection is the Makerstoun Kirk and Floors Castle loop, which is over 20 km. For a more rugged landscape, you can head south to the Cheviot Hills, which provide steeper climbs and more dramatic scenery.

Absolutely. Kelso's trails are intertwined with history. Many walks pass by significant landmarks such as the ruins of Roxburgh Castle and the majestic Kelso Abbey. The area is also a key part of the Borders Abbeys Way, a long-distance path connecting the four great abbeys of the Scottish Borders.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes around Kelso. The collection includes 13 easy walks perfect for a gentle stroll, 9 moderate hikes for those looking for a bit more of a challenge, and one difficult trail for experienced hikers.

The trails around Kelso are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful riverside scenery along the Tweed and Teviot, the well-maintained paths, and the interesting mix of nature and local history.

Yes, the majority of the popular routes around Kelso are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These loops often combine riverside paths, walks along disused railway lines, and trails through the surrounding countryside.

You can hike in Kelso year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather with lush, green landscapes. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, as the foliage in the Borders provides a stunning backdrop for any walk. Winter hikes can be crisp and rewarding, but be sure to check weather conditions and dress appropriately.

The immediate landscape around Kelso is characterized more by its gentle rolling hills and meandering rivers than by dramatic waterfalls. While you'll find beautiful riverside scenery, you would need to travel further into the wider Scottish Borders or Northumberland to find significant waterfall hikes.

Kelso has several public car parks in and around the town centre, which serve as convenient starting points for many local walks. For trails starting slightly outside the town, like those exploring the Hirsel Estate or Bowmont Forest, you will typically find dedicated parking areas near the trailheads.

Yes, Kelso is well-connected by bus services to other towns in the Scottish Borders. Many of the trails start directly from the town centre, making them easily accessible without a car. For routes starting further afield, you can use local buses to get closer to the trailhead, but be sure to check timetables in advance.