Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BORDERS REGION
The Borders is a distinctive region - centuries of war and plunder have left a battle-scarred
landscape, encapsulated by the remnants of the great Border abbeys. Their wealth was an
irresistible magnet during the Border wars, and they were destroyed and rebuilt numerous
times. The monasteries met their scorched end in the 16th century and were never recon-
structed. Today these massive stone shells are the region's finest attraction.
But there's more. Welcoming villages with ancient traditions pepper the countryside, one
of the best cold-water diving sites in Europe is off the coast, and grandiose mansions await
exploration. It's fine walking and cycling country too, the gentle hills lush with an artist's
palette of shades of green. And don't miss Hermitage Castle; nothing encapsulates the re-
gion's turbulent history like this spooky stronghold.
Getting Around
There's a good network of local buses.
First
(
0870-8727271-602200;
www.firstgroup.com
)
,
Munro's
(
01835-862253;
www.munrosofjedburgh.co.uk
)
and
Perryman's
(
01289-308719;
www.perrymansbuses.com
)
are the main operators.
