The mystical Glingbobs, part woodlouse and part bumble bee can usually be spotted on the forest floor and the Tootflit, part Dragon fly and part weevil inhabits the forest canopy. These creatures are so comfortable here that they have made it their home and well known members of the species houses can be found if you keep your eyes open.

Your adventure begins when you find the yellow stone that marks the start of the trail, from there on in children and adults will be enchanted with what is to be found along the way. The trail itself takes approximately 60 minutes and is an ideal way to exercise out in the beautiful East Lothian Countryside. The trail is immaculately maintained and indeed over the next 100 years the wood will be transformed by Woodland Trust Scotland to be dominated by trees such as Oak, Birch and Rowan. Information booklets and a map can be found at the start of the trail. An abundance of flora and fauna line the path and old fallen trees now become bridges and many secret holes can be seen – what could be inside?

Once you have passed the Wavey Wood post keen eyes will see the first Tootflits house high in the trees, this is where Odon Poolittle lives. His neighbour Bombi NoffNuff can be found close by, knock on the door to check if anyone’s home. You may not get an answer but these shy playful creatures may be watching you nearby.

The Holey Posty marks half way and next a meeting seat provides a welcome resting spot for the magical creatures that forage daily for their favourite delicacy – edible fungus. On wards and a green stone marks the spot where Jenfrey Hoolups has made here home and as you pass a frog on a log you are almost back to the car park where you started.

You will not be disappointed with the magic you find deep in this wood. Keep your eyes peeled….

Bass Rock

Bombi Noffnuff's House

Fallen tree bridge

Frog on a log

Jenfrey Hoolups' house

Meeting seat

Odon Poolittle's house

Starting point

Pressmennan Lake

Whats in here?

Beautiful fora and fauna

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The Borders Children’s Charity provides children in the Borders who are in desperate need of beds, bedding, bedroom furniture, floor rugs, clothing and footwear. They also assist with equipment and funding for both physical and mental disability needs and provide much needed treats and holidays for young carers.  This allows children who are often in extremely stressful situations an opportunity to enjoy themselves even just for a short while which can make all the difference.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is a charity operating a fleet of helicopters from coast to coast across a vast area from the Scottish Borders to North Yorkshire. Allowing helicopters which have specialist trauma doctors and paramedics on board to be anywhere in the region in 15 minutes and giving patients the best chance of survival and recovery.

The charity element is a go 50 m karting event against the clock to which all past entrants are invited. The Borders Counties Rally had its inaugural year in 1972 and was set up by Hawick and Border Car Club in 1972. Sadly many of the past entrants including organisers and winners have lost touch with the current members and this event has been organised to bring all those involved over the last forty years together for a good cause.  The special stage takes place outside Jedburgh Town hall immediately after the prize giving of main rally at approximately 7.30pm follows by a grand finale fireworks display over the town.

Past winners of the rally include local drivers Alistair Brearley of Galashiels (1975/77), Ken

Jedburgh Scottish Borders

Wood from Belses (1982/83/87), Dom Buckley from Hassington (1999) and Andrew Wood of Melrose who is the only driver to achieve wins over three consecutive decades (1984/1997/2000). The winner in the rally’s inaugural year was Alan McInroy from Kelso (1972).

So all veterans who helped make the rally the success it is today head down to Jedburgh on March 17^th and see if you still have that competitive spirit….

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The area has long been a favourite destination for cyclists with its stunning scenery and relatively quiet, traffic free roads.  The area is now renowned for its world class mountain

A typical quiet Scottish Borders road

biking facilities the 7 stanes, offering seven biking trail centres, including the famous Glentress, that span the South of Scotland.

The Scottish Borders boasts more Cyclists are Welcome accredited accommodation providers and attractions than anywhere else in the country.  Couple this with the stunning scenery and the guaranteed warm Scottish Borders welcome and you can see why the Borders is the ideal destination for a cycling break.

The Scottish Borders has been given the honour of hosting the 2011 Tour of Britain cycling event which begins in Peebles on September 11^th and culminates in London on 18^th September.  This first stage heads from Peebles along the Tweed valley and past the multi award winning mountain biking centre at Glentress. Then on to Innerleithen where the town will have the honour of hosting the first ever intermediate sprint. This is yet another indication of The Scottish Borders’ rising status within the cycling world.

Why not get on your bike and see for yourself if the claim to be Scotlands leading cycling destination is a legitimate one for The Scottish Borders.

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Rush hour on a Borders road

scenery and a multitude of places to stay and eat all with a typical warm Borders welcome thrown in.

The guide covers four new rides:

Tweed & Castles: 25mile (40km) easy moderate ride taking in Cornhill – Coldstream – Norham – Etal – Branxton – Cornhill. This route takes you through stunning scenery passing the 12^th Century battle weary Norham Castle and on to the Flodden Fields where the Scottish casualties were high on that day nearly 500 years ago. Well worth a stop is Ford and Etal which has a miniature railway linking the two and a fabulous tea room and pub. The village is immaculate and the inexpensive food is delightful, you might share a pint with a Morris dancer here in the summer.

Norham Castle has a turbulent past

Kelso via the Bonny Banks: 25 mile (40km) easy/ moderate ride taking in Kelso- Eccles- Birgham- Coldstream – Cornhill. Kelso is a bustling market town with a Flemish style cobbled market square and was once described by Sir Walter Scott as the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in the whole of Scotland. Once visited few would disagree. There is so much to see and do in Kelso from the magnificent Floors Castle, home to the Duke & Duchess of Roxburghe to the mighty junction pool where the Rivers Tweed & Teviot meet; you may struggle to start your journey!

The route takes you through delightful picture perfect villages where again you will be met with a warm Borders welcome.

Battlefield Trail: 34 miles (55km) moderate difficulty taking in Branxton – Kirknewton – Kirk Yetholm.

The scenery on this route will take your breath away with many 360 degree vistas across the rolling Borders countryside. The route will also take you past Hoselaw Chapel and Hoselaw Loch an important wildlife reserve with the rolling Cheviots in the back ground, a truly inspiring and tranquil spot. You will also visit Kirk Yetholm which sits at the end of the Pennine Way and is a main stage in the St Cuthbert’s Way Walk, a 62km walk from Melrose where St Cuthbert is said to have begun his monastic life to the breath-taking Holy Island where he ended his days. Here you will find the delightful Border Hotel where fine food and beer awaits.

Moorland, Coast & River: the Holy loop: 65mile (104 km) demanding ride taking in Flodden Field – Ford – Doddington – Belford – Holy Island – Berwick – Norham – Colstream – Cornhill – Flodden Field.

The highlight of this ride I would say is the breath taking Holy Island which the guide says you will need to set off early if you wish to take this detour. Crossing the causeway and visiting the island is an absolute delight but make sure you have checked the tide times as you would not be the first to get stranded on the causeway!

This is a fantastic guide detailing some wonderful rides throughout the hidden gem that is the The Borders.  The scenery and the people will remain with you forever and keep you coming back again and again and again!

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The upper Loch at Bowhill

takes you alongside both the upper and lower Lochs at Bowhill and the first tree you discover is the Wollemi Pine, one of the world’s oldest and rarest trees. This specimen was a gift to the 9^th Duke of Buccleuch for support in the conservation of Red Squirrels and if you are very lucky (like we were) you may catch a glimpse of these shy and secretive animals scurrying around the woodland floor searching for their favourite pine cones.

Whilst on this trail you gain glimpses of the magnificent Bowhill house through the trees

Glimpses of the magnificent Bowhill house

and the wildlife surrounding you is a real treat.  Red & grey squirrels, rabbits, deer, woodpecker and a variety of song birds are all common place here. You will also find evidence of the ranger’s shelter building courses with shelters of varying degrees of completion all around the forest floor.

Further along the trail you will the striking Paper Bark Maple with its peeling orange brown bark and stunning red orange leaves in autumn. This tree is native to central China and is a very popular ornamental tree.

Another amazing find is the Wellingtonia native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, it has soft spongy bark which protects it from fire and can grow up to 7m in diameter. This tree can live up to 3500 years!

19 fine specimens of trees can be found on the trail

Along the trail you will find many native trees to the UK including Hornbeam or ‘hard tree’ its timber is used for chopping blocks and cog wheels, the elegant silver and downy birch and the Scots pine.

The trees are not only a delight to look at but they support a huge amount of wildlife from squirrels to badgers to birds and other types of fauna.

The surrounding countryside is stunning especially around the two lochs. Here you will find fishermen quietly anticipating their next catch and Grey wagtails at the water’s edge.

Fishermen quietly anticipating a catch.

Bowhill really does have something for everyone from walkers to wildlife enthusiasts to children who will simply love the adventure playground set beneath the canopy of the trees. The courtyard restaurant is also a delight with homemade goodies on offer throughout the day. It is not often that you find a place that is so appealing to such a wide audience with grounds kept to such a high standard. You feel truly welcome at Bowhill as is your dog, there are no ‘keep of the grass signs’ or frowning staff if you stray from the pathways. It really is a fantastic day out – although one day will not be enough and I’m sure you will want to (like we do) go back again and again!

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The hard work put in by this year’s Captain Roddy McIntyre, & his vice Ryan Lyle along with the committee, have effectively helped raise the clubs profile with a number of new initiatives.

Firstly the club rooms and Bar have had a complete makeover, where Roddy and several members gave their own time to create an environment where you can now relax and enjoy after round food and drinks, from the new superb catering now on offer, or equally be at home at any of the clubs functions, or just bring the family up for a meal.

Then there has been the new membership drive pulling in over 100 new members, which bodes well for the future of the club.

Also the club has created a new Junior Golf Academy with Graeme Tinlen the junior organiser, and David Wilson, Dougy Crawford and Stuart Hunter, all qualified level 1 & 2 coaches, which has seen almost 60 new junior members join up. Monday evening coaching has been a huge hit, with some real talent starting to emerge.

Also the club have recently appointed their first PGA Qualified Club Professional, Keith Morgan who has been a member of the PGA for over 16 years, & resident in Hawick for over 10. Keith, a former Head Pro at The London Golf Club, has worked for Callaway Golf as Sales Manager for the last 4 years, however has recently started his own company. One-putt agencies, which has given him time to re pursue his love of Coaching.

“I have to say it’s a real honour to be the Clubs First Qualified PGA Pro, and I am keen to develop the coaching for all levels of membership. We have had great recent success with the new junior academy, and with the great support of the level 2 & 1 coaches we will look to develop the Junior Academy to the next level, and find ways to improve the practice facilities moving forward.

Keith can help you achieve your true golfing potential.

The course saw another tough winter come and pass, but with the due care and attention from Kenny and his staff, as this year common ridding arrives the course has rallied back to its best condition in years

For the best welcome & facilities in the Heart of the Borders you need look no further then Hawick Golf Club.

For this year’s green fees rates and available packages for visiting parties please visit the clubs web site at http://www.hawickgolfclub.com/greenfees.html.  or call 01450 372293, or you can contact Keith Morgan for Golf lessons and receive a 15% discount when you stay at a Lowland Lettings self catering property in the Scottish Borders. Book now!

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Each course in the Scottish Borders varies in character with features to stretch even the best golfers amongst us. They all however have a few common elements, stunning backdrops, an amazing welcome and great value for money.

The Thomson Monument which overlooks Kelso Golf Course

The Freedom of the Fairways Pass is Scotland’s most popular golf pass and allows you to experience these stunning courses at a relaxed pace. As the area is not overpopulated it may not be necessary to book the courses well in advance.

How the pass works

The Freedom of the Fairways Pass is valid from 1^st April until 31^st October. Adult and senior passes are available for 3 and 5 days and really do offer amazing value for money. The 3 day pass allows for up to six rounds of golf over three consecutive weekdays or four rounds at the weekend and costs £95 per person. The 5 day pass allows for up to ten rounds of golf over 5 consecutive weekdays or eight rounds over the weekend and costs £130 per person. So if you played 36 holes per day over 5 days that works out at only £13 per round. There are discounts available for senior golfers aged over 55.  Some courses do charge a supplement though. Passes can be purchased from Visitscotland.com or by ringing 01835 863170.

Courses at a glance

The Freedom of the Fairways Pass allows you access to all 21 courses in The Scottish Borders.

9 Hole Courses

Galashiels – Situated in the central Borders its notorious 10^th known as Cardiac Hill has now been removed!

Innerleithen – designed by 3 times Open Champion Willie Park Jnr this flat parkland course is set in delightful surroundings.

Lauder – A gently sloping parkland course with stunning views.

Lilliardsedge - A challenging course with a 18 hole putting green to improve your game.

Melrose – A favourite of mine, nestled at the foot of the Eildon Hills.

Newcastleton – renowned for its small greens, accuracy is required here.

Selkirk – designed by Willie Park and set amid the most stunning scenery, its 8^th or ‘Long hole’ is well known throughout the Borders.

St Boswells – a scenic course set along the banks of the River Tweed.

18 Hole Courses

Cardrona- a recent addition opened in 2001 set in magnificent country setting.

Duns – a hidden gem.

Eyemouth – a spectacular cliff top links course, its 6^th hole recently being voted ‘Britain’s most extraordinary golf hole’

Hawick – the oldest golf club in the Borders with Nick Faldo (who holds the professional course record of 64), Colin Montgomerie and Tony Jacklin all honorary members.

Jedburgh – another personal favourite, another design by Willie Park this course was extended to 18 holes in 2006.

Jedburgh Golf course surrounded by stunning scenery

Kelso – originally designed by Ben Sayers this parkland course is renowned for its quality of fairways and greens.

Kelso golf course has the added attraction of the famous Kelso race course surrounding it.

Minto – its feature hole is the 12^th ‘Everest ‘hole.

Peebles- a relatively short picturesque course demanding accuracy.

The Hirsel Coldstream- known as the Augusta of the North, another hidden gem.

The Roxburgh Kelso – a championship course home to several Senior Open Championships opened by Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo in 1997. Its signature hole is the 14^th ‘Viaduct’ hole described by Sam Torrence as his favourite 14^th tee in Scotland.

Torwoodlee Galashiels – known as one of the most challenging courses in the Scottish Borders.

West Linton – an outstanding moorland course with stunning views.

The Woll Ashkirk – set in a beautiful valley and has an award winning restaurant.

So whether you want to follow in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie or Sam Torrance or just find your own hidden gem then The Scottish Borders is the place for you. The area, the people, the scenery and the golf will remain with you forever.

Part of the Borders Abbey Way walk close to Kelso Golf Course

Whilst I can’t guarantee you will play the best golf of your life I can guarantee breath taking scenery, the warmest of welcomes and great value for money. Your only stress will be which courses to choose. Haste ye back!

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‘Walking takes longer… than any other known form of locomotion except crawling. Thus it stretches time and prolongs life. Life is already too short to waste on speed’ Edward Abbey, “Walking”

There is no better way to explore the Scottish Borders than by foot and here are some reasons why:

1. Everyone can do it – there are walks to suits all abilities, young or old within the Scottish Borders. ‘My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-three today and we don’t know where the hell she is’ Ellen DeGeneres
2. You don’t need expensive equipment – a good set of waterproof boots and jacket, a map and a little snack is all you need to get you started.
3. You don’t miss a thing – at walking pace you get to take in the stunning scenery, every nook and cranny. You can stop wherever you like and continue on at your own pace. You will get the chance to meet and speak to some of the most welcoming people in Scotland along the way; you may miss this wonderful opportunity if you are travelling by any other means.’ All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole’ Hal Borland

The perfect photo opportunity.

4. It keeps you fit and healthy. Walking can help with weight loss or just as a means of getting that ‘feel good factor’ that comes with exercise. ‘A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world’ Paul Dudley White
5. You can do it alone or with any number of friends making time for true conversation. ‘The true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking. The walking is good to time the movement of the tongue by, and to keep the blood and the brain stirred up and active; the scenery and the woodsy smells are good to bear in upon a man an unconscious and unobtrusive charm and solace to eye and soul and sense; but the supreme pleasure comes from the talk’ Mark Twain
6. It’s more environmentally friendly than travelling by car.
7. You can take your four legged friend with you, no one appreciates a walk more than your dog! ‘A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk’ O.A. Battista

No one appreciates a walk more than a dog.

8. It’s easier to take advantage of those photo opportunities – and in the Scottish Borders there will be many!
9. Accommodation providers in the Scottish Borders are totally geared up to accept walkers – for example: Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders has just been awarded with a Walkers are Welcome designation, testimony to its determination to accommodate walkers within the town.
10. It gives you time to think, walking seems to clear the mind and I’m sure many a good idea has been nurtured whilst on a walk. ‘Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow’ – Henry David Thoreau

It is obviously very important, as with any pursuit, that you keep yourself safe and don’t take any unnecessary risks whilst out walking:

1. Make sure that you tell people where you are going and what time to expect you back.
2. If you are walking on roads ensure that you always walk facing any oncoming traffic and make yourself visible. Bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
3. Always take some water and a snack with you. Make sure you drink plenty during your walk.
4. Always carry a mobile phone and some spare change. Some plasters for your feet may also be advisable. ‘If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes’ The Houghton Line, November 1965
5. Always be prepared, conditions can change quickly so think ahead. The weather in the

Always take care when walking on roads, even the quiet Scottish Borders ones!

Scottish Borders can be very unpredictable, as Billy Connelly once said ‘If you don’t like the Scottish Weather just wait 20 Minutes!
6. Wear appropriate clothing, waterproof boots and jacket as a minimum.
7. Carry a map of the area; it’s easy to get lost in unfamiliar circumstances.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, most local people are more than willing to help with directions etc.; you will meet some amazing people on your journey!
9. Check the weather forecast before you leave.
10. Remember to walk within your abilities. Remember you have to walk the same distance back!!

‘The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose’ Charles Dickens

Happy walking whatever path you choose!

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If you look at the Scottish Borders alone there are hundreds and hundreds of holiday cottages available to let. What you have to do is get your property noticed amongst all the others and continue to get it noticed as there will be an abundance of new holiday cottages coming on to the market all the time. I have seen a huge rise in the amount of holiday cottages available to let recently and I think this is mainly due to the state of the housing market in general. As people are finding it difficult if not impossible to sell their properties they are turning to different methods in order to make some money or basically just cover the mortgage. I think a lot of owners feel that a holiday let is an easier option to a long term let where there can be many pitfalls. I have to say that from experience I can only describe a holiday let as different to a long term let as the amount of work needed to succeed is basically the same. With a long term let you are constantly concerned with whether the tenants are paying the rent and if they are looking after the property. With a holiday let these issues are pretty much irradicated however the work needed to run a holiday let is probably greater.

Main problems

When someone contacts me for advice as to why they have had little or no bookings the first thing I do is ask them what work they have put in to achieve bookings. Invariably the answer is ‘well it’s on x website or with x agent and that’s it.

The second thing I do is I look at the x website or the x agent to see what the owner is

getting for their money. Invariably the answer is not very much! I recently looked at a cottage in a prime site right next to one of the four 12^th Century Borders Abbey’s which has had three bookings!!  When I looked at the website that they had been paying quite a considerable amount to advertise on I could instantly see why they had had so few bookings. Appalling photos, poor descriptive text and no mention of cost to name but a few problems.

Thirdly I ask the owner what continuing development plans they have to advertise their holiday cottage, you can guess the answer. What you need to remember is that posting your property onto the internet is like leaving a post it note on a tree in a vast forest. Yes eventually someone might find it but why not make it easier for them by leaving some signposts along the way?

Top 5 tips to ensure your holiday cottage gets noticed.

1. Photo’s – a picture speaks a thousand words – good quality photos illustrating why someone should book are vital.
2. You don’t need to write a thousand words -  people don’t read much of what is written on websites, they just want to know the basics. Make sure you get the positive points about your cottage across and quickly! Where, What and how much is a basic rule of thumb.
3. Make it easy for people book, many holiday cottage guests like to speak to a friendly person and ask questions about the property so make sure it is easy for people to contact you and it is vital that you contact them back as a matter of urgency. From experience I have found that guests just want to get the property booked and they will quickly move on to another property if you do not return their calls/emails.
4. Get an online presence – sign up for Twitter, get your business listed on Google Places, write content for your website if you have one, join forums and start your own blog – these are all simple things you can do to help get your property noticed. It all takes time though so you need to be disciplined and allocate a certain amount of time each day to these tasks.
5. PATIENCE – this is something that doesn’t come easy to me either  but things will not happen straight away (although some will be lucky and get good bookings immediately, it all depends on the property).

When the bookings do come in and if you follow these basic steps they should, then you will be rewarded for all you hard work by meeting some of the most amazing people and providing them with a holiday they will never forget and they will come back again and again and again! Happy letting!

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The area is already well known for its network of pathways both around the town and the surrounding countryside suitable for walkers of all abilities. Here is a list of nine walk with a further three currently being updated.

Galahill and Allars Mill: This is a fairly short walk of about 1.5 miles confined mainly

The bridge at Allars Mill .

to the vicinity of the town but still offers a number of attractions such as Prince Charlie’s House, a delightful view of Jedburgh Abbey, the stunning Castle Jail with commanding views over the town it is the only example in Scotland of a Howard Reform Prison and back down through Allar’s Mill an area of important geological interest.

Ladylands, The ‘Twitches Baulks’ and Tudhope: another fairly short walk of 2.5 miles or so but with a fairly strenuous section that can be muddy in some places (suitable footwear advised). As with most uphill climbs the reward at the top are well worth the effort, with fine views over the town and surrounding area.

Riverside Walk and Hartrigge: A lovely leisurely walk along the banks of the River Jed of around 3 miles. You will pass near to the magnificent 12^th Century Red Stone Abbey which sits now silent on the bank of the river belying its once turbulent past.

Lanton Moor and Timpendean Tower: This 5.5 mile walk takes in two important historical attractions, Mary Queen of Scots House and Timpendean Tower a 16^th Century construction.

Larkhall Burn and Todlaw: A 4.5 mile walk through woodland and farmland,

Jedburgh Abbey with its fine Rose window at the West front.

strenuous in some areas but you will be rewarded with delightful views to both the Eildon and Cheviot Hills.

Williescrook and Sharplaw: A 4 mile walk with a bit of a steep start up to Lanton which continues through lovely woodland areas, past a small white painted cottage known as Williescrook after which you will be rewarded with wonderful views.

Mount Ulston and Dere Street: This 5.5 mile walk follows part of the Roman road known as Dere Street and offers wonderful views of the Eildon Hills and Peniel heugh a 46m high monument constructed in 1827 on the site of a fortified settlement to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.

Inchbonny, Kersheugh and Ferniehirst: this 5.5 mile walk is fairly leisurely and with a little diversion can take you to the historical Ferniehirst Castle the ancient seat of The Clan Kerr built around 1470.

Howden, Hunthill and the Sandy Road: At 6.5 miles this is the longest and most scenic of the walks around Jedburgh.The majority of the walk follows the locally known Sandy Road and rewards you with stunning vista across the surrounding countryside.

In addition to this well established network of pathways Jedburgh is also close to many long distance walks such as St Cuthbert’s Way a 62.5 mile walk connecting Melrose to the breath-taking Lindisfarne with an official stage at Harestanes just a few miles from Jedburgh, The Borders Abbey’s Way 64.5 miles taking in four 12^th Century Abbey’s including Jedburgh and the Roman Heritage Way a 99 mile walk following in the footsteps of the Roman Legions of the 1^st and 2^nd Centuries including Dere Street near Jedburgh.  The town is also ideally situated between Edinburgh and Newcastle on the main A68 road offering a good transport infrastructure.

Well I have talked the talk so it’s time for you to walk the walk and, if you didn’t know it already, Walkers (and everyone else) are most definitely welcome in Jedburgh.

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