Selkirk: Discover the town’s history and landscape

In Selkirk, you can explore the town’s history in different ways: in museums, through archaeological traces and on guided walks. There are also trails by the water, through woodland and over hills, as well as experiences centred on textile crafts and nature. If you’re looking for a hotel in Selkirk, weighing up these themes can help you plan a stay that suits your travel interests. The following distinctions show where historic sites and traditions take centre stage, and what opportunities there are for walks and other activities.

Museums, Sir Walter Scott and the town’s history

Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom explores the writer’s connection with Selkirk. A permanent exhibition displays personal items related to him. The museum is housed in an 1804 building at Market Place; admission is free. Check visiting arrangements before your trip. The Souters’ Routes also connect Scott’s story with the town: these guided walks take you through Selkirk and focus on the town’s history and Scott. The Selkirk Town Trail offers further insight into local history and the town’s development.

The two experiences have different focuses: the Souters’ Routes centre on the town’s history and Scott’s connections, while the Town Trail explores Selkirk’s development. Halliwell’s House Museum also offers a glimpse into the town’s built heritage. It is housed in an unusual 18th-century building that forms part of Selkirk’s oldest surviving row of houses. Together, these offer several specific starting points for a trip focused on the town’s history.

Archaeological traces and enduring traditions

Peel Hill consists of the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle, built before 1119 and rebuilt as a peel by Edward I in 1302. The earthworks are still clearly visible, with the motte and bailey easy to make out. Another historic trace can be found on the southern slopes of Harehead Hill, where the route taken by the Royalists as they fled can still be traced in the landscape.

The Selkirk Common Riding commemorates the town’s history in connection with the Battle of Flodden in 1513, with the Casting of the Colours ceremony at Market Place. The Selkirk Silver Arrow is another local tradition: the competition dates back to 1660 and takes place annually. During the summer months, the Silver Arrow is displayed at Halliwell’s Museum near Market Place. As the exhibition is seasonal and event arrangements may vary, check the dates before your trip.

Landscape, trails and activities

The Haining, a park and woodland landscape centred around a loch and an A-listed classical house, lies on the southern edge of Selkirk. The trails around Selkirk include paths by the water, through woodland and over hills, as well as routes in The Haining and on Selkirk Hill. Selkirk Riverside offers a gentle, flat walking path along the Ettrick Water. These different descriptions give you a specific starting point for planning: one option focuses on a waterside walk, another on parkland and woodland or hill trails.

There are also cycling routes of varying lengths: the cycling routes around Selkirk include ten circular rides between 9 and 70 miles, available as downloadable PDFs. Before planning, check that the route details and files are available. The bicycle station has bike racks, seating and a bicycle repair station.

The Ettrick Explorer is a three-and-a-half-hour guided wildlife walk starting at Selkirk Leisure Centre. The tour passes through Mauldsheugh Wood and along the banks of the Ettrick Water; check booking details in advance. The Leisure Centre also offers swimming, fitness and wellness activities for people of all ages and abilities. For a guided tartan-weaving mill tour, visit the Lochcarron Visitor Centre in Selkirk; advance booking is required for this mill tour. Fabric is also still produced in Selkirk by local craftspeople in a mill.

Discover more destinations: Eyemouth, Melrose, Carlops, Coldstream, Traquair, Walkerburn, Ettrickbridge, Lilliesleaf.

For the main travel overview: The Scottish Borders.