Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
South Scotland
Scottish Borders

St. Boswells Parish

The best family-friendly hikes and walks around St. Boswells Parish

4.6

(368)

2,992

hikers

9

hikes

Family friendly hiking trails around St. Boswells Parish are characterized by a diverse landscape featuring the meandering River Tweed, distinctive Eildon Hills, and a mix of woodlands and open meadows. The terrain offers gentle riverside paths suitable for families, alongside more varied routes through the countryside. This region provides a network of trails that cater to different preferences, from tranquil strolls to routes with moderate elevation changes.

Best family friendly hiking trails around St. Boswells Parish

  • The most popular family…

Last updated: May 10, 2026

4.5

(17)

55

hikers

#1.

Dryburgh Abbey and Crystal Well loop from St Boswells

8.74km

02:17

60m

60m

Hike the 5.4-mile Dryburgh Abbey and Crystal Well loop from St Boswells, a moderate route exploring historic ruins and riverside paths.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

This difficult 18.8-mile hiking loop from The Street explores Roxburghshire, offering views of the General's Tower and Ale Water Valley.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 5 more hikes around St. Boswells Parish.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Tips from the Community

Stuart Wilcock
September 7, 2025, Market Square, Melrose

The Market Square has served as a traditional gathering place for markets and remains a central point of the town. The square features local buildings, such as the Burt's Hotel, and provides a hub for the surrounding shops, restaurants.

0

0

The Market Cross in Melrose is a prominent historic landmark topped with a unicorn, the national animal of Scotland.

0

0

armb
August 25, 2025, Mertoun Bridge

No pavements or pedestrian refuges, so hope for quiet traffic.

0

0

Here it goes up and down, over hill and dale, tree roots, rhubarb, some simple bathing spots, stairs, bridges... Good footwear is necessary, then it's fun

Translated by Google

1

0

The Orchard Gate, built by the Earl of Buchanan around 1811 – the Middle Ages were long gone! It's essentially a folly... a building without a purpose, simply the entrance to the orchard. The Earl dedicated it to his beloved parents – so says the Latin inscription.

Translated by Google

1

0

Adult admission is currently £13 each. There's a small kiosk and souvenir shop. Beautiful, shady grounds with plenty of benches.

Translated by Google

0

0

Quite a pretty bridge for cars. No footpath! You have to walk on the road here! Steep steps lead up from the river.

Translated by Google

1

0

this exists irl and it did not collapse when we cycled over it. it made an interesting and exciting noise as we rode across

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in St. Boswells Parish?

There are 10 family-friendly hiking trails in St. Boswells Parish featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something for every family.

What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in St. Boswells Parish?

The trails in St. Boswells Parish offer diverse terrain, perfect for family exploration. You'll find picturesque riverside paths along the River Tweed, tranquil routes winding through woodlands and open meadows, and some paths with gentle ascents offering views of the Eildon Hills. Many routes are designed to be manageable for children.

Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or toddlers?

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families with young children. While specific 'toddler-only' routes aren't highlighted, many of the easy-rated trails feature gentle paths and shorter distances. For example, the Temple of the Muses – Dryburgh Suspension Bridge loop from St Boswells is a moderate route that can be adapted for shorter sections, offering engaging sights like the suspension bridge.

What notable landmarks or natural features can we see along the family-friendly trails?

St. Boswells Parish is rich in historical and natural attractions. Along the trails, you can discover the impressive 12th-century ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, the neoclassical Temple of the Muses, and the pedestrian-only Dryburgh Suspension Bridge. The iconic Eildon Hills also provide stunning backdrops and viewpoints like Eildon Mid Hill Summit, offering panoramic views of the Tweed Valley.

Are there any circular routes recommended for families?

Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes in this guide are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. A great example is the Dryburgh Abbey and Crystal Well loop from St Boswells, which offers a scenic circular journey past historical sites.

What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in St. Boswells Parish?

The family-friendly trails in St. Boswells Parish are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful riverside scenery, the historical points of interest like Dryburgh Abbey, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable outings with children.

Is there parking available near the trailheads for family walks?

While specific parking details for each trailhead are best checked on the individual route pages, St. Boswells Parish generally offers convenient parking options in and around the villages, often near popular starting points for walks. It's advisable to check local signage or the route descriptions for the most accurate information.

What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in St. Boswells Parish?

St. Boswells Parish is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for family hikes, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy or icy. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Are there any routes that follow the River Tweed?

Yes, the River Tweed is a central feature of the landscape, and many family-friendly routes incorporate its picturesque banks. You'll find tranquil paths offering opportunities to spot local wildlife. The Crystal Well Pump House – Mertoun Bridge loop from St Boswells is an excellent option for enjoying the riverside scenery.

Can we connect to any longer-distance trails from St. Boswells Parish?

Yes, St. Boswells Parish is situated along St. Cuthbert's Way, a renowned 100-kilometer long-distance trail. This offers opportunities for families with older children to experience sections of a historic pilgrim's route or connect to other Great Trails like the Borders Abbeys Way for a longer adventure.

Are there any routes that offer panoramic views?

For families seeking rewarding views, routes that venture towards the Eildon Hills will provide excellent panoramas. While this guide focuses on family-friendly options, some paths offer glimpses of the surrounding countryside and the Tweed Valley, particularly from slightly elevated sections. The area around Eildon Mid Hill Summit is known for its expansive vistas.

Most popular routes around St. Boswells Parish

Hiking around St. Boswells Parish

Most popular attractions around St. Boswells Parish

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Wauchope ForestEttrick And YarrowRoyal Burgh Of Selkirk And DistrictMelrose And DistrictRoyal Burgh Of Peebles And DistrictAkermoor LochWhitmuirhall LochLurgie LochHawickGlentress ForestEildon And LeaderfootCraik ForestHarehope ForestAshkirk LochUpper Teviotdale And Borthwick WaterDenholm And DistrictBlackhouse ForestUpper TweeddaleColdingham LochFaldonside LochGrassfield ForestGalashielsKingside LochColdinghamNewcastleton And DistrictBorders Forest ParkInnerleithen And DistrictHobkirkEddleston And DistrictElibank And Traquair ForestKelsoKirkhouse ForestYetholm LochSt. AbbsEarlstonWest Water ReservoirWest LintonJedburghSt Abb'S Head National Nature ReserveSouthdeanEyemouthCaberston ForestNewtown And EildonColdstream And DistrictEdnam, Stichill And BerrymossAncrumCarlopsYetholm And DistrictWoolshears WoodKalewaterClovenfords And DistrictSproustonLilliesleaf, Ashkirk And MidlemDunsCardrona ForestCrailing, Eckford And NisbetLauderdaleMaxton And MertounBurnfootCockburnspathManor, Stobo And LyneTweedbankAbbey St. Bathans, Bonkyl And PrestonHutton And Paxton

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Newtown And Eildon

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy