A view bordering on the beautiful

Activities and accomodation, the Scottish Borders has it all, says Sandy Neil

There’s much to tempt you to travel to the Borders this autumn. The Peebles Food Festival takes place from 21-23 October, featuring a farmers’ market, beer and wine tasting, and master chef demonstrations (www.peeblesfoodfestival.com). The Tweed Valley Forest Festival in and around Peebles from 22-30 October hosts the Scottish Conker Championships and Halloween fun at Traquair House, Bowhill House and Kailzie Gardens (www.forest-festival.com). The Denholm Folk Festival then kicks off near Hawick from the 4-6 November (www.denholmfolkfest.co.uk).

For places to stay, Luxury Let Borders has three luxurious self-catering barn and house conversions for short or long term let in the countryside surrounding Jedburgh and Ancrum.. Charming Border towns and the region’s excellent restaurants are within a short driving distance. Local leisure activities include St. Cuthbert’s Way and Cheviot Hill walks, fishing on the rivers Teviot and Tweed, and mountain biking at Glentress Forest.

In Jedburgh, Woodend Mill is a bright and spacious, three bedroom house with a traditional feel, contemporary fittings and fantastic natural light, while the adjacent four bedroomed Three Woodend boasts a modern kitchen with 10 seat dining table, and a living room with log stove. Douglas Villa in Ancrum has three bedrooms, a fitted kitchen with open fire, and a railed balcony leading to a stone-built patio with hot tub. Take a tour at www.luxuryletborders.com, or contact 07876377671.

The Farmhouse at Yetholm Mill provides B & B and self-catering accommodation, ideal for walking and cycling around Kelso, the Borders and Northumberland. St Cuthbert’s Way passes the house, and the Pennine Way finishes on Kirk Yetholm village green. The Georgian Farmhouse offers two comfortable bedrooms, and guests are free to wander around the gardens and sit on the terrace with a glass of wine watching the wildlife and glorious sunsets over the Bowmont river valley. The Farmhouse Cottage has been converted into a cosy, contemporary space with kitchen, living room, and two ensuite bedrooms. Visit www.thefarmhouseatkirkyetholm.com, or telephone [phone].

Plum Braes Barn and Edmonston are self-catering holiday cottages with panoramic views over the beautiful Border scenery near Kelso. Nearby activities include trout and salmon fishing on the River Tweed, golf with the Freedom of the Fairways Pass, and walking the Southern Upland Way. Plum Braes Barn comprises three cottages: Plum Tree, Garden Banks and Cockle Kitty. Five minutes walk away, Edmonston House is a chalet style farmhouse sleeping up to 10 people in five bedrooms with three bathrooms, the perfect place for family gatherings.Visit www.kelsocottages.co.uk, or contact 01573 225028 / 07789220468 or [email protected].