Highland Tour Pt. 3 – How Can the Scottish Borders Compete?

Accessible Solitude

Here’s what I realised: the Scottish Borders offers something the Highlands struggle to match — accessible solitude.

Up here in the Borders, you can walk for miles in peaceful glens, through ancient forests, or along ridgelines with sweeping views — and not see another soul. You don’t need a guide, ropes, or rock-climbing gear. Just lace up your boots and go.

And better still? No midges.
Seriously, anyone who’s been to the Highlands in summer knows what I mean. Down here, you can sit by a river or on a hillside without being eaten alive.

Wildlife Wonder

Another thing we’ve got in spades: wildlife.
The Borders is teeming with it — herons, ospreys, otters, buzzards, badgers, roe deer, and even the odd eagle if you’re lucky. And it’s all right there, easily spotted on a casual stroll or even from the car.

I spent two days hiking up north and saw… seagulls.
Here, nature greets you at every turn.

Hillwalking for All

The Highlands are awe-inspiring — but daunting. Towering Munros and steep ascents aren’t for everyone.
The Borders, on the other hand, is hillwalking heaven — for any ability. Whether it’s the Eildons, Minch Moor, Ruberslaw or the Cheviots — we’ve got scenic climbs, gentler paths, and just as spectacular views.

You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to get out and explore here.

Hidden History

And let’s not forget the one thing the Borders does better than anywhere else: history.

We don’t just have castles — we have Border Reiver towers, forgotten fortresses, Roman roads, Iron Age hillforts, and sites tied to the Wars of Independence. William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots… they were all here.

Yet, we don’t shout about it enough.

The Highlands may have their clan legends — but we have layers of blood-soaked history waiting to be told.

We Need to Sell It

So here’s what we need to do:

• Promote the Borders as a walking destination – for everyone, not just seasoned hikers.

• Market our accessible landscapes – peaceful, dramatic, and close to towns and transport.

• Tell the world about our history – because it’s world-class and unique.

• Celebrate our solitude – because that’s what today’s tourists want: authenticity, calm, connection to nature.

We might not have the towering peaks of Glencoe, but we’ve got something just as special — and it’s time we sold it to the world.

Final Thoughts

I’ll definitely be heading back to the Highlands — but the Scottish Borders is home, and it’s underrated. It’s time we stopped being modest and started telling our story.

And it starts with you — whether you’re local or just visiting, spread the word. The Borders is open.