AROUND STARLING'S REST
Kelso and The Surrounding Area
The picture-postcard town of Kelso is centred around an abbey and market square, which hosts a monthly market and antique fair, as well as award-winning shops, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Located at the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot rivers, Kelso has been referred to as the jewel in the crown of the Scottish Borders. Among its many attractions are its fishing, race course, monastic architecture, and year-round events such as the Border Union agricultural show, musical acts, and equestrian events.
A spectacular Romanesque ruin in the middle of the town, Kelso Abbey was once one of the most impressive monastic houses in Scotland.
There is also the grand Floors Castle which is Scotland's largest inhabited castle, built in the 18th century just north of the town centre on the banks of the Tweed.
The town of Kelso was considered the most beautiful in Scotland by Sir Walter Scott. An abundance of history, a wide range of activities, award-winning shops, and a great sense of community make this town so special.
HORSE RIDING
The Borders boasts some of Scotland’s finest horse riding opportunities. Each year the Borders' towns celebrate in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition with a week of rideouts and public events, known as common ridings.
There are some excellent horse riding facilities close to Starling's Rest which include the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre, Nenthorn Equestrian Centre and Cowdenknowes Eque Centre.
Booking in advance is highly recommended.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking in Scottish Borders is one of the best ways to explore more of this area of South Scotland.
Venues include Glentress in Innerleithen (approximately 36 miles from Starling's Rest) which is one of the world class 7stanes mountain bike venues. It features a wide range of trails for beginners and experts alike.
To help you experience the best the region has to offer, Komoot.com have reviewed a collection of mountain bike routes to bring you the top 20 routes in the local area.
FISHING
Starling's Rest is close to the River Tweed which is renowned for salmon fishing. The Scottish Borders offers a variety of fishing including salmon, sea trout, grayling, brown trout, sea fishing and coarse fishing.
Fish Tweed has information on beats, river levels, catches, in fact just about everything you need to know about salmon fishing in the Borders.
TweedBeats offers more beats on the River Tweed
Tweed Guide provides guided salmon fishing with experienced local guide
Kelso and District Angling Association offers fishing for wild trout on around 8 miles of the Rivers Teviot and Tweed, and a short stretch of the River Eden. It also offers grayling and roach for those interested in coarse fishing.
For fishing tuition, see Eoin Fairgrieve’s Centre of Excellence – a dedicated information and instruction resource for all levels and abilities.
WALKING
There are plenty of beautiful walks around Kelso and the surrounding area, perfect for walkers of all levels and canine companions. You will find a wide range of scenic routes at your doorstep which include Bowmont Forest and the Borders Abbeys Way. Kelso are delighted to be hosting the annual Scottish Borders Walking Festival from the 2nd - 9th September 2023.
GOLF
Kelso Golf Club is handily placed at the end of the farm road, within Kelso Race Course.
The Roxburghe Championship Golf Course is about 6 miles from Starling's Rest
The Hirsel Golf Course 7 miles from Starling's Rest, at Coldstream
Minto Golf Course a popular course, on the lower slopes of Minto Hill. Facing south over the Teviot Valley, near Denholm.
The Woll Golf in Ashkirk is an enjoyable, testing, course for golfers of all abilities.
