The UK’s incredible new 113-mile walking trail that could lead to tourism boom

A new 113-mile trail linking Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed is set to boost tourism in the Scottish Borders, with Scottish ministers confident it will attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The multi-use path, funded by £25 million in public investment, will support walkers, cyclists and trail runners and is expected to be completed by 2028.

Known as the Destination Tweed project, the trail will follow the River Tweed through the Scottish Borders, passing through towns like Peebles, Kelso and Melrose.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This is an ambitious programme which will not only protect and enhance the region’s treasured natural assets but, in the Tweed Trail, it will capitalise on these assets and help further grow, develop and showcase what the region has to offer.

“We also need to make sure this boost in tourism is accompanied by investment so that there is sufficient housing and infrastructure.”

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Business Minister Richard Lochhead also supported the project.

After previewing a new £20 million holiday development with 56 cabins near the Glentress mountain bike centre, Lochhead highlighted the potential for cycling tourism.

He said: “The region already has a reputation beyond Scotland as a centre of excellence for cycling,” adding that the new trail “feels like the dawning of a new era for tourism.”

Cycling is a key focus for the area, which has hosted international mountain biking events and stages of the Tour of Britain.

Many businesses, like Tweed Valley Pods near Innerleithen, have already adapted to the growing number of visitors with facilities tailored for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Co-owner Margot Smolenska told the BBC: “We recognised the growing demand for accommodation from cyclists and other people who were coming here to enjoy the outdoors.

“We’re only a small business with four pods, but we have already had a lot of repeat visitors in our first 18 months.

“We are confident even more guests will be coming our way as more and more people learn about what this area has to offer.”

The project is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area annually, helping to drive economic growth.

The Scottish Borders region has seen positive growth in its visitor economy, which increased by £150 million to £911 million in 2023, according to the latest Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor data.

Local businesses are also optimistic. Andrew Brook, the Director of the Forest Holidays development, explained that “mountain biking is prolific in the Tweed Valley, and there is a push to promote the area for other pursuits such as trail running and walking”.