River Tweed Trail
Launching in 2028, the River Tweed Trail will be one of the UK’s newest long-distance routes, following the course of the river from Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Users of the trail will be able to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, wonderful experiences and rich storytelling that brings the area’s history, culture and nature to life.
At approximately 113 miles, The River Tweed Trail will provide day and multi-day activities for walkers connecting communities, businesses and attractions along the river. The route will also cater to cyclists on shared use sections with separate bike spurs signed where necessary.
Delivery of the River Tweed Trail is led by Scottish Borders Council, in partnership with Tweed Forum, Northumberland County Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Work will be carried out by Turner & Townsend Contractors.
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 Scott’s 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.
Berwick-upon-Tweed marks the end point where the river meets the North Sea. Here you can celebrate your fantastic trail journey.
Building the River Tweed Trail
Exciting progress is being made on the River Tweed Trail in the Upper Tweed, bringing us another step closer to welcoming visitors in 2028.
2.3km of upgraded path completed between the Dumfries & Galloway border and the Scottish Borders, from the source of the Tweed. Despite challenging boggy ground, the team has created a durable, well-drained route designed to sit naturally within the landscape.
A further 2.2km of path has been completed between the Crook Inn and Patervan, delivering improved safety, accessibility, and flow to the route.
In Peebles, work was recently completed on the route between Priorsford Footbridge and Eddleston Water Bridge. Shaped by community feedback, these new paths have been enhanced with native tree planting and wildflower habitats, while plans are progressing for the next section onwards to Fotheringham Footbridge.
This work continues the success of previous path upgrades and lighting improvements linking the Tweed Valley Railway Path with the River Tweed. Walkers, wheelers and cyclists can now travel more safely between Glentress and Peebles via Eshiels Tunnel, Peebles Hydro Grounds and a new controlled crossing at the A72.
The newly completed path between Priorsford Bridge and Gytes Leisure Centre provides a safer route to school and improved all-abilities access across a key section of the River Tweed Trail.
Alongside route development, work is progressing on the Trail’s interpretation and wayfinding. Berwick-upon-Tweed design practice NEON is creating landscape-sensitive features, alongside their project partners.
We’re proud of the progress made so far and look forward to sharing further updates as work continues across the Middle Tweed, creating a more accessible, inspiring and memorable trail for future visitors.
Accessibility on the Trail Route
The River Tweed Trail is being designed to welcome everyone, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and those using wheelchairs or mobility aids where possible.
Under the Land Reform Act 2003, paths in Scotland are open to non-motorised vehicle and equestrian use, where suitable, provided people act responsibly and follow the guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Much of the trail in England utilises designated footpaths and not bridleways therefore, bikes and horses will be restricted to the existing NCN1 route on the road.
While most of the trail is accessible to all, certain sections will be designated as pedestrian-only where the path cannot sustainably support shared non-vehicular use. For cyclists, separate bike spurs will be signed where necessary. The bike route will be on rural paths suitable for mountain / gravel bikes and on quiet roads.
Detailed accessibility information will be provided when the River Tweed Trail is complete to ensure that all users can plan an excellent trail experience.
Before and After Gallery
Below are examples of our recent work. 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.
Help us reach Two Hundred Tales
Tweed Stories is a key part of the River Tweed Trail project, collecting stories, memories and reflections of the river from local people which will inspire the interpretation and digital assets created for the Trail.
The archive has already attracted over a hundred fascinating river-based tales and personal connections that celebrate the Tweed and its history, heritage, wildlife and communities – and we’re very keen to collect even more!
You’re invited to share your Tweed Story, from your favourite place or treasured Tweed memory to fun river pastimes or family connections. It’s easy to add your story to the online archive, or you can tell it to the Tweed Stories team at events along the river this summer or pop a drawing or story into one of our Tweed Stories postboxes. The postboxes are currently at Moffat Museum, The Wee Crook café in Tweedsmuir, Go Tweed Valley visitor information centre in Peebles, Kelso’s Salmon Fishing Museum, Coldstream Museum, Paxton House’s Stables Tearoom and Berwick Library.
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.
If you would like to receive notifications about the development and launch of the River Tweed Trail, click the link below to sign up to our dedicated mailing list.
You can also view our past newsletters by clicking the button below.
Events
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Free online writing workshop inspired by the River Tweed, brimming with creative prompts, personal reflections & colourful border folklore. Join ...
News
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Destination Tweed project reaches 100 story milestone
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River Tweed to be celebrated in creative story-sharing event
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Berwick Upon Tweed-led creative collaboration appointed to deliver River Tweed Trail interpretation
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Destination Tweed invites communities to share their river stories
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Active Travel shared-use Path now open as part of the River Tweed Trail
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River Tweed Trail logo unveiled on Deputy First Minister visit
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£10million funding for Destination Tweed project confirmed
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Destination Tweed appoints Tourism Business Engagement Officer
