Space to Play: An activity packed mini break
Swap the hustle and bustle of city life for two days of outdoor adventure in the Tweed Valley!
Everyone’s time is precious. And for those with only two days to spend in the valley, it can be tricky to know where to start. Let us help you out with our guide to the activities and adventures not to be missed on a weekend or overnight stay with us.
No problem if you don’t manage to fit everything in this time – we look forward to welcoming you back for a (longer) return visit very soon.
Day One
Stop 1:
Every good adventure begins with a hearty Scottish breakfast and top-notch cup of coffee. Fuel your morning with a visit to Linton Bakes at the Cozy Kitchen in Peebles, where hot breakfast rolls and takeaway cakes and bakes are order of the day. There’s super coffee to be found at The Milkman, just a short walk along the High Street.
Stop 2:
Take a short bus ride or drive to the village of Stobo –the start of the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail. The stretch of river between here and Peebles is especially beautiful, passing handsome bridges and Neidpath Castle along the way. Craig at Biggar Adventure offers bespoke day trips and overnight camping tours throughout the spring/summer.
Stop 3:
Once back on dry land, it’s a short hop to Kailzie Estate with its choice of laid-back loch fishing or adventurous sessions on the Tweed – one of the world’s great salmon fishing rivers. Equipment hire and experienced ghillies are on hand to help, along with excellent lunches, mid-afternoon teas and treats at Kailzie Courtyard Cafe.
Stop 4:
Our outdoor retailers are packed with first-class products to support your adventures in the valley. From bikes and accessories to hiking gear, camping equipment and stylish clothing to withstand the Scottish elements – our stores have you covered. Visit Out & About in Peebles for the best hillwalking recommendations locally.
Day Two
Stop 1:
Trail running is part and parcel of life in the valley, with endless off-road routes through forests, up hills and alongside the river to suit runners of all abilities. The Traquair Estate Circular near Innerleithen follows a section of the Southern Upland Way and rewards with magnificent views over to Lee Pen. It makes for a gorgeous hike too.
Stop 2:
Innerleithen has reinvented itself as an activity hub in recent years, the town now jammed with bike shops, destination stores, characterful accommodation and cool cafes to serve the outdoorsy types who visit. Top of most people’s list for a morning pick-me-up or nutritious brunch is No. 1 Coffee House. We recommend the bean burrito and all things caffeine!
Stop 3:
Next stop: a quick round at Innerleithen Golf Club. Featured in Bunkered’s best nine-hole golf courses in Scotland (2025), this charming, riverside course boasts magnificent views and an enviable on-site cafe. If you have more miles in your legs, test your mettle on the championship course at Macdonald Cardrona or the rolling fairways of Peebles Golf Club.
Stop 4:
And there are plenty of local restaurants and colourful pubs to rest and recharge in at the end of your break. From the cosy Cross Keys and Crown Hotel in Peebles to the Santa Cruz Bar at the Traquair Arms Hotel in Innerleithen, you won’t be short of a glass of something cold (and locally brewed) to celebrate your playtime in the valley.
Further info
Arriving in the Scottish Borders by train and exploring the Tweed Valley’s many attractions by bus, by bike and on foot couldn’t be easier. It’s a great way to take in all that this beautiful corner of Scotland has to offer – and one of the most sustainable ways to travel.
For bus connections from Galashiels to Edinburgh – via Innerleithen, Glentress, Peebles and Eddleston – check out Borders Buses (x62 service) or download the Traveline Scotland app. Look out for special bike-friendly double decker buses on the x62 service, with racking for four bike spaces on each service.
And for accommodation options catering for every budget in Innerleithen and Peebles – along with endless places to eat, drink, visit and be inspired – have a trawl of the website!
Photo credits: Gareth Easton; Ian Linton; Hillside Outside; plus individual businesses.