A courthouse dating from 1804 on the Market Place, the clearly visible earthworks of Peel Hill, and a parkland and woodland landscape on the southern edge give Selkirk distinct historical and scenic character. When planning a stay, you can focus on the town’s history, guided discoveries or walks in the countryside.
Places and stories from Selkirk
Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom features a permanent exhibition of personal items and the writer’s connection to Selkirk. The courthouse is in a building dating from 1804 on the Market Place; admission is free. Check visitor information before travelling. If you would rather explore the town’s history on foot, the Souters’ Routes offer guided walks through Selkirk focusing on the town’s history and traces of Scott. The Selkirk Town Trail also offers insights into local history and the town’s development.
Halliwell’s House Museum is housed in an unusual 18th-century building that forms part of Selkirk’s oldest surviving row of houses. Another historical trace leads to Peel Hill: the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle stand there, built before 1119 and rebuilt as a peel by Edward I in 1302. The earthworks remain clearly visible; the motte and bailey are easy to make out. A building from the early 19th century and the much older fortification thus represent different chapters in the town’s history.
Selkirk Common Riding includes the Casting of the Colours ceremony on the Market Place. It recalls the town’s history in connection with the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Check event dates before travelling. The Selkirk Silver Arrow also connects the present with 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 the Market Place.
Landscape, walks and active days
The Haining is a parkland and woodland landscape on the southern edge of Selkirk. It includes a Category A-listed classical house and a loch at the centre of the landscape. Walks around Selkirk include riverside, woodland and hill paths; routes also pass through The Haining and climb Selkirk Hill. This makes it possible to treat historical destinations in town and countryside paths as distinct focuses for a stay, rather than combining them into a single walk.
For a gentle, flat walk along the Ettrick Water, Selkirk Riverside offers a different option from the three-and-a-half-hour guided wildlife walk, Ettrick Explorer. It starts at Selkirk Leisure Centre and includes Mauldsheugh Wood and the banks of the Ettrick Water. If you would like to plan this guided activity, check booking information in advance. The Leisure Centre also offers swimming, fitness and wellness activities for people of all ages and abilities.
There are also different distances to choose from for cycling: cycling routes around Selkirk include ten circular routes between 9 and 70 miles, with information available as downloadable PDFs. Before planning, check whether the route information and files are available. Selkirk’s cycling hub has bike racks, seating and a bicycle repair station. If you are interested in local crafts, you can also note that a mill in Selkirk continues to produce fabric made by local craftspeople.
Tours and practical planning
A guided tartan weaving tour is offered at the Lochcarron Visitor Centre in Selkirk. Booking in advance is required. Alongside the walks, Town Trail and historical sites, it offers another specific way to experience the town: through craft rather than architectural history or landscape. When planning your stay, take these different interests into account and check the relevant dates and booking information for time-specific activities before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Saint Boswells, Newcastleton, Melrose, Kershopefoot, Gordon, West Linton, Cockburnspath, Lilliesleaf.
For the broader travel overview: The Scottish Borders.
