River Tweed

The River Tweed is well known as one of the great salmon fishing rivers in Britain. It runs for 97 largely unspoilt miles (155km) through some of the most impressive scenery anywhere and is the fourth longest river in Scotland.

Rising in Tweed's Well about 6 miles north of Moffat in Peeblesshire the River Tweed runs along the border between Scotland and England for much of its journey, finally reaching the North Sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Along its babbling journey it passes tiny hamlets such as Tweedshaws and through the counties of Selkirk, Roxburgh and Berwick before entering Northumberland.

The most interesting sights along the way are the ruins of Drumelzier Castle and the alleged site of Merlin's Grave. Its banks are strewn with long forgotten watchtowers and fortresses including Tinnis Castle, Neidpath Castle, Macbeth's Castle and the unlikely sounding Black Dwarf's Cottage!

Scotland's most lovely Melrose Abbey has a prime view of the River Tweed. Further south, beyond the border town of Kelso, are the sad remains of Roxburgh Castle, destroyed in 1460 during the border wars which prevailed at that time.

The River Tweed flows past many well-known historic sights including Scott's View at Abbotsford, the home of the famous author, Sir Walter Scott. It also meanders past the remains of Dryburgh Abbey, a well known beauty spot, where a large statue of 13th century Scottish leader William Wallace can be seen.

Coldstream Village and Ladykirk, which was built by James IV after being saved from drowning in the river, are the final landmarks before the River Tweed flows into English territory.

The River Tweed even gave its name to the woollen cloth produced in this area, now known the world over as "tweed". The river was the power source used in the textile mills.

The River Tweed is steeped in romantic legend and historic tales with a rich backdrop in history. Poets, painters and writers have been inspired by it and salmon and trout anglers worship it! Interestingly it is the only river in England where a rod licence is not required for anglers to fish.

Its many tributaries include Whiteadder Water and Blackadder Water, the River Till, Lyne Water, Eden Water, the River Teviot, the River Leader which flows into the Tweed at Leaderfoot, Leithen Water with its fish ladder at Cauld and Lyne Water among others. Note that the term 'water' often refers to a river in Scotland.

The River Tweed is an idyllic river to visit, offering endless quiet pursuits, nature-watching, beautiful unspoilt scenery and a relaxing ambience.