About
Destination Tweed is a unique project which aims to celebrate and share the nature, history and stories of the River Tweed and deliver significant economic, environmental, educational and social benefits to the South of Scotland and North Northumberland.
A major multi-year partnership led investment, Destination Tweed will deliver the River Tweed Trail, a spectacular new source to sea walking and cycling route starting at Moffat before climbing to the source of the river, and on to Berwick Upon Tweed where the river meets the sea. As part of this development, a further 12 projects covering a wide range of cultural, river and landscape enhancements, will connect communities and attractions along the route and create opportunities to celebrate, care for, enjoy and promote the river sustainably.
The project includes an extensive and innovative interpretation scheme and natural heritage conservation projects to tackle environmental issues at source such as woodland and pollinator habitat creation, river restoration and control of invasive non-native species. Ambitious education and community projects and a varied and exciting programme of events, volunteer activities, and business development opportunities are also planned.
Explore our site to discover more about our Destination Tweed projects and find opportunities to get involved throughout the Tweed catchment.
Vision Statement
Destination Tweed will celebrate and share the nature, history and stories of the River Tweed, one of the UK’s most highly designated and inspirational river corridors. With the creation of the River Tweed Trail at the project’s heart, a five-year, partnership-led investment beginning in 2022 will deliver a source to sea trail, which respects the river’s special status and connects communities and attractions with sensitive, impactful and innovative interpretation. The landscape and river habitats will be enhanced and better understood, new and existing audiences will be meaningfully and actively engaged, and we will create opportunities to celebrate, care for, enjoy and promote the river sustainably, all whilst achieving health, wellbeing and economic development ambitions.
The River Tweed
The River Tweed flows through the beautiful Scottish Borders, from its source in the Southern Uplands north of Moffat, through major towns including Innerleithen, Peebles, Galashiels, Melrose, Keslo, Coldstream and Norham, to its mouth at Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland where it meets the North Sea.
Along this route, the river is fed by many tributaries including Whiteadder Water, River Till, Teviot Water, Leader Water, Gala Water, Biggar Water and many others.
The Tweed forms the historic boundary between England and Scotland and is a river which, over time, has connected and divided communities living along its length. A major trade route in medieval times, its strategic location made it the site of numerous battles and a rich legacy of historical landmarks – many with links to royalty!
The wildlife and landscape of the River Tweed and its tributaries are protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The Tweed is perhaps best known internationally for salmon fishing and is a popular river with anglers throughout the season. Home to a variety of fish species, the river’s water quality and diverse ecosystem make it an ideal breeding and spawning ground.
At Destination Tweed, we celebrate and share the story of the river, past, present and future. Our cultural, river and landscape enhancement projects will create opportunities to care for, enjoy and promote the river sustainably.