We welcome in 2026 with 12 adventures that celebrate the Tweed Valley’s wilder side throughout the year – from winter festivals and treetop challenges to reflective retreats and experiencing the area’s rich array of wildlife
Wild Writers festival
Returning for its fourth outing at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, the Wild Writers Festival offers the perfect antidote to any winter blues – and inspiration for a year of adventures. A celebration of the wealth of exceptional writing and film making that explores our relationship with the living world, this year’s festival (29 Jan-1 Feb) features celebrated authors, adventurers, natural historians and film makers, including comics Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill (Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim), record-breaking rowers the Maclean brothers, author and ultra runner Keri Wallace and mountain biking legend Tracy Moseley, whose film, 7Stanes in 7Days, will premiere at this year’s festival. Look out for a special guided walk, swim and trail run across the weekend too.
Go wild, Go Ape
Of the seven forests that make up the Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress is the one most synonymous with adventure. Alongside the world-class mountain biking trails, it is home to Go Ape Glentress – featuring Scotland’s highest zip-wire and a treetop challenge that tests the balance (and nerve!) of even the most daring. The adrenaline rush can be enjoyed all year round, but is especially atmospheric in the wintertime when the hilltops are dusted in snow and the ponds below ice over. Slower adventures can be found on the network of walking routes that weave through the trees – pause to enjoy the stillness and you may catch a glimpse of the forest’s wild residents: red squirrels, pine martens, roe deer and great spotted woodpeckers. For a truly wild experience, explore Glentress at night; the owls come out to play and the dark skies above make for some stellar stargazing.
Tweed Valley Wilding
For those looking to really get under the skin of the landscapes around, the excellent Tweed Valley Wilding offers wild swim adventures plus guided walks and nature connection experiences throughout the valley. Led by Ingrid Campbell, an open water swim coach, Mountain Leader, storyteller and botanist, these adventures emphasise restorative time in nature – from swimming in beautiful clean waters, to walking along the hilltops and riversides and foraging for food to cook over an open fire. Ingrid has extensive plant knowledge, so as well as leaving refreshed and restored, you are guaranteed to take away a few nuggets for your next foray into the wild! Look out for one-off events, collaborations and workshops throughout the year and join Tweed Valley Wilding as they lead a bracing dip in the River Tweed at this year’s Wild Writers Festival.
Rambling Wild
Our brand new 10 Classic Walks guide will launch in the spring, providing river ramblers and hardy hill walkers alike with a selection of carefully curated routes across the valley. With something for all interests and abilities, the 10 classic walks will give a flavour of everything that our beautiful area has to offer, from tranquil landscapes to ancient landmarks and the occasional nod to the valley’s industrial heritage. The walks all start and finish in our handsome towns and villages, helping to connect walkers with the many shops, eateries and attractions along the way, too. Looking to plan your walking adventure now? The website is already stacked full of all the hiking inspiration you need – and if you are in the area, pop into the Visitor Information Centre on Peebles High Street or Out & About (in Peebles’ Old Town) for some insider knowledge on walks for all.
sauna & soak
Temperatures in the valley are expected to rise in May and June when the fabulous Cedar Hus sauna returns to the historic grounds of Traquair House. Tucked away amongst the ancient woodlands – and in splashing distance of the clear waters of the Quair – Cedar Hus’ mobile Nordic sauna experience was a hit with outdoorsy types, adventurers and wellbeing enthusiasts when it rolled into the valley in 2025. Promising once again to provide warmth, calm and relaxation, we can’t think of a more soothing way to immerse ourselves in the wild whilst taking in the gorgeous surroundings of Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Post-sauna, explore all that the Traquair estate has to offer, from the impressive, beech-hedged maze to the Old Walled Garden Cafe, complete with cheeky peacocks!
literary adventures
To journey along the Tweed Valley Words literary trail is to experience the wild landscapes, historic landmarks and vibrant communities that have inspired, and continue to enthral, some of Scotland’s greatest writers. Whether enjoyed over one or two days in its entirety, or dipped into over a series of visits, the trail connects people, place, history and culture – unearthing the stories that the River Tweed and surrounding lands have housed for centuries. Perhaps the most ancient of them all, the legend of Merlin, casts a mythical spell over the Upper Tweed. It is believed that the prophet was held captive at Tinnis Castle near Drumelzier and fell to his death in the turbulent waters of the Tweed nearby. A hawthorn tree in the hamlet marks the site of ‘the wizard Merlin’s grave’ – and a beautiful stained glass window in nearby Stobo Kirk depicts Merlin’s conversion to Christianity by St Mungo.
Wild paddles
There are few better ways to explore one of Scotland’s great rivers than to take on a section of the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail. Or perhaps the whole thing! Spanning a particularly scenic stretch of the River Tweed from Stobo to Galafoot Bridge, the 30-mile trail offers unspoilt views of the natural landscapes around and brings paddlers up close to the colourful wildlife that thrives in and around the Tweed’s rich waters. Otters and kingfishers, ospreys, herons, dippers and sand martins are just a few of the treasures that paddlers can hope to catch sight of, depending on the season. And as much as a one-day paddle is enough for many, you can always dial up the adventure with an overnight camp along the way at Traquair House or Tweedside Caravan Park, both on the outskirts of Innerleithen. For guided tours, get in touch with our good friend and expert guide Craig at Biggar Adventure.
Nature watch
Between April and September, the Wildlife Hub at Glentress provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of one of the valley’s most treasured birds of prey: the osprey. Set up in 1998 to help establish a breeding population of the birds in the Scottish Borders, the Tweed Valley Osprey Project has seen chick numbers in the area exceed 350 over the years, with visitors and locals able to enjoy Big Brother-style footage of the birds via live cameras at secret nest sites. The highs and lows of the breeding season – which included a fascinating love triangle in 2025 – is now available to watch online, alongside a physical map identifying key osprey spotting locations across the valley. If attracted to the area by these magnificent birds, you must also visit the Eyrie Information Point at the Waterwheel Cafe (on the Philiphaugh Estate, near Selkirk) to discover more about the inspiring South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (now known as Restoring Upland Nature) – and where most likely to catch sight of these iconic birds.
Wild about wheels
As a key part of the south of Scotland’s UCI Bike Region, it goes without saying that there are two-wheeled adventures – both wild and mild – to be had here in 2026. The Scottish Enduro Series returns for another round of technical challenge in April; Muck n Mac brings its unique, gravel-flavoured festival of riding back to the wildest reaches of the region in May; and Tour O The Borders has another spectacular, closed-road edition lined up for Sept. But for something a little more sedate (but equally as inspiring) take a gentle pedal along the Eddleston Water Path to learn more about the fascinating river restoration project that has given this waterway UNESCO status. New interpretation signage to be installed in the spring will highlight the wonderful work of the Tweed Forum and other partners to improve flood management along the Eddleston Water, benefitting the ecological health of the river and increasing biodiversity in the process.
Harvest Wild Swim Fest
This autumn sees the return of the Harvest Wild Swim Festival – undoubtedly 2025’s most memorable (and colourful!) inaugural event. Once again, the gentle waters of the River Tweed will be the base for this seasonal festival that celebrates the joy of wild swimming and the natural landscapes around. Join Lynda from Take to the Water for a soul-soothing, wellness-focused weekend of wild swims, laughter, moments of peace and seasonal magic at the foot of Neidpath Castle near Peebles – with warming refreshments inside the castle to round off the weekend. There are delightful swim spots scattered along the Tweed that can be enjoyed all year round too – some lesser known than others. Visit our wild swimming pages to find out more and to refresh your knowledge of the outdoor swimmer’s code.
Farm life
The valley is peppered with characterful cottages and lodges, bunkhouses and glamping pods – many of them helping to connect visitors to the natural landscapes around. Nestled on the edge of the Scottish Borders, just 20 minutes drive from Peebles, Springfield Farm Holiday Pods offers all the charm of a working farm (keep watch for the Highland Coos!) complete with gorgeous views of the Pentland Hills. Holiday pods on the farm feature a fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom, smart TV and two fully furnished bedrooms (each pod sleeps up to six), along with a secure outdoor BBQ area and a sheltered private hot tub perfect for unwinding in the evenings. An ideal base for families, couples, friends and dogs looking to explore the wider area, the wild doesn’t get much more glamorous than this.
Wild retreats
For those looking to slow things down in 2026, our gorgeous gardens offer a place for calm reflection and restoration throughout the seasons. The Snowdrop Festival at Kailzie Estate (4 Feb) and the reopening of Dawyck Botanic Garden (1 Feb) is always a welcome treat – and a signal that the natural world is slowly awakening from its winter hibernation. Look out too for a wonderful programme of artsy, creative and wellness retreats heading to the valley in the months ahead. The first Inner Wild Retreat at the Stay Scotland studio in Innerleithen was a great success in 2025 so expect more movement, mindfulness and creative inspiration from Juliet and team this year. And for the knitters or crafters, the fabulous Wildwool, tucked away in Peebles’ Bridgegate, will be home to more crochet and knitting workshops in 2026, with classes aimed at a range of abilities.
Further info
This is just a flavour of the adventures that await in the Tweed Valley this year. For much, much, more, have a nosey around the website, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on social media to stay connected to everything else going on in the area.
Image credits: Gareth Easton; Lesley McAteer/Sustrans; Fire Bug Media; SamGWildlife.