Running for 97 miles from source to sea, the River Tweed is a powerful presence flowing through the heart of the Scottish Borders. The characterful stretch that passes through the Tweed Valley is a year-round draw for visitors, offering captivating experiences whether on, in or alongside its cool, clear waters. Here are five ways to celebrate our great river this season.

Paddle power

It’s been a while in the making, but this May sees the launch of the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, the first official trail of its kind in the south of Scotland. Covering a roughly 30-mile stretch of the River Tweed, this light-touch trail offers the perfect introduction to paddling for those new to the sport – and a proper adventure for those with a few more river miles under their belts. The route is best enjoyed over two to three days, allowing time to pause and explore the many natural, cultural and historic riches along the way: Traquair House, Glenkinnon Community Woodland and Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford an impressive starter for ten. We can’t think of a more fitting way to experience one of Scotland’s great (yet gentle) rivers and the communities it has shaped down the centuries. Head to our canoe trail pages for detailed maps, boat hire and accommodation guides, as well all the safety info needed for a responsible – and memorable – journey on this iconic river.

Riverside rambles

If happier beside the water than on it, the valley is dotted with gorgeous riverside walks. Mostly low level (but certainly not low key) a stroll along  the Tweed rarely fails to lift the spirits, often rewarding with striking views and glimpses of its wild inhabitants. Just outside Peebles, the Neidpath Castle Circuit is a real treasure, taking in a handsome viaduct, once part of the Peebles to Symington Junction railway line, and shingle beaches and deep pools beneath Neidpath Castle itself. When ready to stretch the legs further, the Tweed Valley Railway Path connecting Peebles and Walkerburn to the east allows walkers to experience the shifting rhythms of the Tweed up close. This multi-use path snakes alongside the river for much of its length, offering well-positioned rest and refuel stops along the way. Look out too for an off-road spur that heads north to the attractive village of Eddleston along the restored Eddleston Water - a project that has received global recognition. To discover more about an ultimate riverside walk, keep an eye out for updates on Destination Tweed’s epic River Tweed Trail that will follow the Tweed from source to sea (Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed). It won’t be ready for a while yet – so plenty of time to get the training miles in.

Fishing fix

Is there a river in Scotland more synonymous with salmon fishing than the Tweed? Probably not! Anglers have pitted their wits against the king of fish in these waters for centuries, with the fortitude of salmon referenced in in Peebles’ town motto: Contra Nando Incrementum – ‘There is growth by swimming against the stream’. The complex life cycle of this remarkable fish is explained as part of a special exhibition at the Salmon Viewing Centre at Philipshaugh, near Selkirk. But it’s not just salmon that draws fishers to the valley. April typically marks the start of trout fishing season, with the landing of large fish in recent years a sign that the Tweed is in good ecological health. Kailzie Trout and Salmon Fishery is an excellent base for those new to fishing, with well-stocked bait and fly ponds less daunting for some than a full day out on the river. Cast your eye over our fishing pages for more info on when and where to enjoy this historic sport – and let local fishing guide Fin Wilson inspire your angling adventure over in our Stories.

Swim wild

The arrival of spring brings the promise of (slightly!) warmer temperatures and the true start of the outdoor swim season for many. There has been a monumental uptake in river, loch and sea swimming in Scotland in recent years, the physical and mental benefits of time spent in the water a major draw. But outdoor swimming isn’t a new phenomenon around these parts. Sir Walter Scott and contemporaries are said to have enjoyed a swim in the Tweed’s refreshing waters at Neidpath Castle in the late 1700s – while the remnants of old diving platforms at the ‘dookits’ beside Peebles’ Hay Lodge Park are a reminder of summers spent on and around the water. Downriver, there are swim spots aplenty to enjoy where both the Quair Water and Leithen Water meet the Tweed at Traquair and Innerleithen. Discover more about the valley’s hidden swim spots on our outdoor swimming pages, along with links to some first-class water safety info.

A life aquatic

As well as a haven for swimmers, paddlers and fishers, the River Tweed is a nutrient-rich corridor for some of Scotland’s most precious wildlife – not just salmon and trout, but also a variety of birds, mammals and insect-life. The River Tweed and its many tributaries provide a year-round home for otters, dippers, kingfishers, herons and more. From April to late-summer, showstopping ospreys return to breed in the area and are regularly spotted hunting for fish in the waters below Tweed Bridge at Cardrona. Other osprey watching hotspots include the banks of the Tweed at Innerleithen, Thornielee car park and St Mary’s Loch – locations all featured in a special osprey trail map available at the Wild Watch, Glentress Forest. Here, wildlife explorers can also enjoy a Big Brother-style osprey experience, with live cameras following the comings and goings of these majestic birds from secret nest locations across the valley.

Further info

We’re celebrating the River Tweed old and new in a special exhibition at the Go Tweed Valley Visitor Centre in Peebles (Mar-May). Please do drop in if you’re passing to discover more about the iconic river that has helped shape the built, natural and cultural heritage of the Tweed Valley.

Image credits: Allan Wright (main image); Marc Marshall Photography; Ian Linton Photography; Adobe Stock.