THE Borders is set to become home to the first canoe trail in the south of Scotland.

Created by Go Tweed Valley, the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail will cover 30 miles of the famed river – with its beginning in Stobo and running down to Galafoot Bridge.

The trail will be promoted for use in the months between April to September – avoiding the peak salmon fishing season in October and November.

Go Tweed Valley project manager Rich Rowe said: “Our ambition is for the trail to celebrate one of Scotland’s great rivers like never before, as well as showcase the Tweed Valley as a destination for a different kind of visitor.

“In addition to the physical adventure, the trail will enable people to immerse themselves in the area’s cultural history and experience the landscape and its wildlife from a unique angle.”

The trail will pass some of the Borders’ iconic landmarks, including Neidpath Castle, Traquair House, and Abbotsford – the home of Sir Walter Scott – to help paddlers connect with the people, places and stories which have shaped the region.

While the full length of the trail is suitable for confident paddlers to complete in one day, the trail is designed to be enjoyed section by section across multiple days, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy towns and attractions along the route.

Lindsay Quayle, project officer at Go Tweed Valley, said: “From cyclists to walkers, runners and horse-riders, the Tweed Valley already attracts an active crowd and it felt like a natural next step to create a route on the Tweed itself – a river that has shaped the surrounding landscape and communities.”

Along the trail there will be five location markers, canoe anchor points, and paddler-friendly accommodation, and online there will be maps and information to help paddlers enjoy the river safely, with a particular emphasis on protecting the river’s wildlife and ecology.

A donations system has also been created to allow visiting and local paddlers to contribute to the maintenance of the trail and local river conservation.

The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail has been supported by landowners, the River Tweed Commission, Paddle Scotland, local businesses, the Fallago Environment Fund and Scottish Borders Council.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community & business development, said: “This is an innovative development which we are very pleased to support. We look forward to welcoming many tourists to experience the River Tweed and beyond over the coming months and years.”

For more information on the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, visit gotweedvalley.co.uk