River Tweed Trail
At approximately 113 miles, the River Tweed Trail will be one of the UK’s newest source-to-sea walking and cycling routes, showcasing the exceptional natural, built and cultural heritage from Moffat, past the source of the river, to Berwick-upon-Tweed where the river meets the sea.
The River Tweed Trail will provide day and multi-day activities connecting communities, businesses and attractions along the river. Dedicated signage and interpretation will enhance the experience along the route and showcase Tweed Stories, supported by a brand new website with an interactive map and route planner.
The River Tweed Trail is led by Scottish Borders Council, Tweed Forum, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Northumberland County Council.
Upcoming Trail Works
Works are due to start on the 21st of October upgrading the path section between the Gytes and Priorsford bridge in Peebles. This will see the path being widened up to 4.5m and segregated for bikes and pedestrians. The works are likely to take from 8-12 weeks to complete and signed diversions will be in place when required. External funding has been secured from Transport Scotland, through Sustrans to enable these works.
We apologise for the temporary disruption but look forward to welcoming you on this upgraded section of path.
About the Route
The route will start in Moffat, a historic spa, dark skies and eagle town in Southern Scotland about 7 miles away from the source of the River Tweed. From here, visitors will have the option to explore the town before heading out into the surrounding Lowther Hills where the River Tweed, Clyde and Annan all rise!
Following the course of the River Tweed, the path will invite users to spend time exploring and sampling the best cuisine, accommodation, attractions and activities the local area has to offer.
A dedicated website will provide information on activities, attractions and facilities along the route, alongside an interactive map and journey planner, allowing you to tailor your visit around your time and interests.
The route will feature stops at some of the most well-known towns and villages in the Borderlands such as Peebles, Melrose and Kelso, as well as encouraging individuals to explore other local gems including Innerleithen, Dryburgh, St Boswells and Norham. Along the route you will pass close to the fantastic attractions of Dawyck Botanic Gardens, Glentress Trail Centre, Sir Walter Scotts former home of Abbotsford, many incredible Abbeys and the grounds of Paxton House to name just a few.
Signage, interpretation and digital experiences will enhance the journey and animate local tales, providing a unique view of the river, its communities and local businesses which it attracts and supports.
The iconic lighthouse on Berwick-upon-Tweed’s Pier, marks the end point where the river meets the North Sea. Here you can celebrate your fantastic river and trail journey.
The exceptional outdoor experiences which the River Tweed Trail will offer will add to the quality tourism destination of the South of Scotland and North Northumberland.
The route will encourage visitors to connect deeply with the region and its communities, interacting with local areas to help boost the social and economic benefit of tourism at sites along the Tweed, as well as enhancing opportunities for people to responsibly explore, enjoy and learn about the rich culture, history, nature and environment of the river and its catchment area.
No matter how you choose to explore, the River Tweed Trail will offer a unique opportunity to navigate one of the UK’s most iconic rivers and the communities, businesses and attractions that connect to it.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Building the River Tweed Trail
Working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Northumberland County Council, and Dumfries and Galloway, the River Tweed Trail will connect communities, attractions and projects along the length of the river, across borders and centuries of history.
Recently, sections of new path and lighting upgrades have been created in Peebles, linking the existing Tweed Valley Railway Path with the River Tweed. Now, people will be able to travel from Glentress to Peebles safely through the Eshiels Tunnel and Peebles Hydro Grounds before utilising the new controlled crossing point over the busy A72 and into Whitestone Park.
The surrounding landscape has been seeded with help from the Pollinators Along the Tweed Project, led by Buglife and supported by Destination Tweed. This will further enhance this section of the route and provide vital habitats for pollinators as well as beautiful green space for the local area.
We are delighted that this will now function as a safe route to school for pupils and an improved all ability option for locals and visitors alike!
Over May and June 2024, Scottish Borders Council, in collaboration with Destination Tweed, ran a consultation event, in person and online, for the proposed active travel link between Gytes and Fotheringham Footbridge, Peebles. The result of this has now been published online and is available to read at the link below. We want to thank all of the participants in this consultation who have helped us to deliver a unique route celebrating the River Tweed.
Before and After Gallery
Work on the River Tweed Trail has now started on the ground to upgrade existing paths and structures, improving accessibility and safety along the river route.
Below are examples of some of our recent work at Woodend Bridge, the Eshiels Tunnel and in Peebles. Slide to see before and after!
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Before
After
Woodend Bridge at Cardrona has been redecked using sustainable Douglas Fir boards.
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Before
After
New lighting has been installed at the Eshiels Tunnel and a brighter anti-skid surface added.
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Before
After
The new path in Peebles has been surrounded by colourful wildflower habitats to enhance green space and increase biodiversity.
For Businesses
The creation of the River Tweed Trail provides an opportunity to boost the visitor economy in the region.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) who will undertake the role of tourism business engagement along the route, working with Northumberland.
Our Tourism Business Engagement Officer, Neen Kelly, will work with businesses and communities to ensure opportunities along the route are maximised. We also want to work with those who are interested in developing new visitor experiences and services such as transport and baggage services, food and drink experiences, storytelling, wellness, wildlife and activities.
For more information, please email neen@ssdalliance.com.