Introducing Peebles
Bordering both banks of the River Tweed, the historic and beautifully located town of Peebles offers interest and adventure for all.
Made a Royal Burgh in the twelfth century, but with Iron Age remnants pointing to much earlier settlement, Peebles is a town that will forever be associated with water. Its riverside setting at the junction of the River Tweed and the restored Eddleston Water has long drawn visitors to the town – many of whom made the decision to stay and set up home in the area.
The significance of water is reflected in the town’s motto Contra Nando Incrementum – ‘There is growth by swimming against the stream’, a reference to the strength and resilience of the migrating salmon for which the the River Tweed is internationally celebrated. The town’s coat of arms also features three salmon: two going downstream and one heading upstream.
Peebles’ association with water is reflected in the hydropathic remedies that drew Victorian visitors to the grand Peebles Hydro Hotel on Venlaw Hill. Whilst the hotel’s spa – plus others in and around the Tweed Valley – continue to attract, the river itself is a draw for an increasing number of water sport enthusiasts. Canoeists and paddleboarders, anglers and wild swimmers are spotted year-round on (and in) the water, often pausing to refuel or warm up in one of the town’s many cafes.
Away from the water, Peebles is also a popular stop-off and start/finish point for other outdoorsy types. Hill walkers setting out to explore the John Buchan Way leave from the town’s Bank House, former home of novelist, Anna Buchan (O. Douglas); adventurers on the epic Land’s End to John O’ Groats challenge often journey through the town in search of a comfy bed (and clean, dry socks); and those looking for a river walk with a difference come to experience Neidpath Tunnel: once part of the Peebles to Symington Junction railway line, the 600m-long disused tunnel features a curve in the middle which casts walkers into total darkness. Fascinating and eerie in equal measure!
For a relatively small town, Peebles has a grand history. Royal and literary greats are woven into the local narrative, and the Borders’ tumultuous past has shaped centuries-old traditions still honoured today. Peebles celebrates its heritage every June with a ‘ride out’ that forms part of the town’s week-long Beltane Festival. Traditionally a way for townspeople to patrol their borderlands during the period of fierce fighting, the ride outs are now both a fine display of horsemanship and source of great civic pride. Witnessing a cavalcade of horses riding the town boundaries – and fording the River Tweed – is a majestic spectacle, and a true highlight of the town’s summer season.
There are ancient ruins and towers aplenty to explore across the seasons. Our Geotourist trail will shed much light on Cross Kirk and St Andrew’s Tower – both located in Peebles’ old town – along with the striking Chambers Institution on the High Street. Dating back to the 16th century, the building was gifted to the town by William Chambers, one of the founders of W & R Chambers Publishing House, and is currently home to the excellent John Buchan Story and Peebles Library, Museum & Gallery.
And to complement its offer of activity, adventure and history, the town has a dynamic retail and food scene. The High Street has been recognised for its impressive offer of independent shops and eateries (many of them award-winning) including those tucked away in the town’s characterful Northgate, School Brae and Old Town. Enjoy a little retail therapy, a nourishing bite to eat – and round off the day with a ticket to a performance at one of Peebles’ most treasured attractions: the Eastgate Theatre.
Images: Ian Linton Photography.