Attractions and Places To See around Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk And Midlem - Top 20

The region is rich in history. You can visit the impressive ruins of Melrose Abbey, a Cistercian foundation from 1136, or the 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey, known for its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. Eildon Hill North was once Scotland's largest Iron Age hill fort and a Roman signal station. Don't miss the 19th-century Leaderfoot Viaduct. Additionally, Ashkirk is surrounded by ancient Neolithic hillforts, and Midlem features a Roman marching camp and medieval village layout.

Yes, the area offers several stunning viewpoints. The Eildon Hills are iconic, with Eildon Hill North and Eildon Mid Hill Summit providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish Borders, including the Melrose-Tweedback-Galashiels towns. Midlem, situated on a south-facing hill, also offers magnificent vistas over farmland, woodland, Ruberslaw, the Minto Hills, and the Cheviots.

The region is excellent for walking. The popular St Cuthbert’s Way crosses the Eildon Hills, offering a pleasant route up Eildon Hill North. Ashkirk is on the Borders Abbey Way, and the area around Ashkirk Loch provides various hiking opportunities through rolling hills and moorland, including the Drinkstone Hill Trig Point – Woo Law loop. Midlem also has walking routes like 'Midlem & Lilliesleaf' and 'Midlem & Lindean'. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guides for the area.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for cycling. You can find various road cycling routes, such as the 'Swire Climb – Fauldshope Bridge loop from Ashkirk' or the 'Jedburgh Abbey – Jedburgh Market Place loop from Ashkirk'. For off-road adventures, there are gravel biking options like the 'Alemoor Loch – Drinkstone Hills loop from Hawick'. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes guide or the Gravel Biking guide.

Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts will find challenging trails nearby. Options include the 'Brown Knowe loop from Selkirk' and 'The Three Bretheren loop from Selkirk'. For longer, more difficult rides, consider the 'Minch Moor and St Marys Loch loop from Ashkirk'. You can find more details and routes in the MTB Trails guide for the region.

The landscape is characterized by the Ale Water, a river running through Lilliesleaf and Ashkirk. Lilliesleaf also features The Moss, a wetland, and Postie's Pool, a historic swimming spot. Near Ashkirk, you'll find Alemoor Loch and Essenside Loch, offering tranquil natural settings. Midlem is notable for its hilltop location and the Midlem Burn.

Many of the historical sites, such as Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey, are considered family-friendly. The numerous walking and cycling routes, especially those with lower difficulty, offer great opportunities for families to explore the outdoors together. The general appeal of the rolling hills and historic villages makes for an engaging visit for all ages.

In Lilliesleaf, you can visit The Cross Keys or The Plough pubs, or enjoy a stop at 'The Jammy Coo' cafe, which also sells local art. Ashkirk has the Smiddy Bar & Restaurant, a local establishment. Midlem features an active village hall that occasionally hosts community events, but specific cafes or pubs are less prominent directly within the village.

Midlem is distinctive for its traditional, vernacular-style buildings gathered around a spacious village green, designated as a Conservation Area. It retains a medieval rig (burgage plot) layout and features an old blacksmith's shop. Its hilltop location provides magnificent views, and it's believed to be the highest village in the Scottish Borders.

The Eildon Hills are an iconic part of the Scottish Borders landscape, known for their three shapely summits. Eildon Hill North was the site of Scotland's largest Iron Age hill fort and a Roman signal station. Eildon Mid Hill Summit is the highest peak, offering extensive views. Legend attributes their formation to a wizard, though their true origin is geological.

The Ale Water runs through both Lilliesleaf and Ashkirk. In Lilliesleaf, a single-track road called The Wynd leads down to a footbridge crossing the water, and Postie's Pool, a historical cooling-off spot, is located where the Ale Water runs beside the sports field.