Outdoor walking
Many set tours include walks of around two miles or more over muddy ground, fields, uneven terrain and steep climbs. Some locations have no laid-out path. Please tell us about walking limits before booking.
Accessibility
A clear picture before you travel.
This access statement explains the usual conditions on tours by Discover Scottish Borders. Please contact Mark before booking so the route can be discussed around your requirements.
Our commitment
We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible.
This statement describes our services rather than promising that every historic site will be step-free or fully accessible. The Scottish Borders is a rural region, and many of the places that carry its history are in fields, churchyards, hills, woodland or remote locations.
Please tell us about any special requirements before booking by using the contact form. It is essential that you give prior notice if mobility aids will be travelling with you, so we can check whether they can be accommodated.
Vehicle travel
Tours normally use a car for up to four people, with a people carrier available by arrangement for larger groups. Vehicles are entered through passenger doors and require a step.
Different sites
Access, parking, toilets and surfaces vary because many facilities and attractions are owned or managed by third parties. We will explain the planned stops as clearly as possible before the day.
Our tour type
Historic places rarely come with modern paths.
To get the best experience from set tours, and from many bespoke routes, guests should expect to travel between several sites by vehicle and to walk outdoors. Long walks can be around two miles or more, over ground that may be muddy, uneven or steep and may not have a formal path.
Scotland’s weather can change dramatically. Sunshine, rain and strong wind may all arrive in one day, so appropriate clothing, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are important.
Alternative ways to explore
We can discuss bespoke sightseeing tours that are mainly experienced from the vehicle. These can be more suitable for guests who cannot manage longer walks, but they will restrict the type of sites and viewpoints that can be visited.
Town-based tours can also be arranged where paths are paved and dropped kerbs are more likely to be available for crossing roads. Access still needs to be discussed in advance because conditions vary between towns and locations.
We are happy to explain the compromises honestly so you can decide whether a particular route is right for you.
Vehicles and pick-up
Know what the day involves.
Ideally, tours use a car for up to four people. A hire vehicle or people carrier can be arranged for larger groups. Vehicles are entered through passenger doors and require a step. A walking aid may be stored in the luggage compartment, but please check with us first to make sure it will fit.
We cannot assist passengers physically getting in or out of the vehicle or provide mobility assistance during the tour. Guests should be able to enter and leave the vehicle independently or with assistance from their own travelling companion.
Seat belts are provided and must be fastened at all times while travelling. If a child is attending, an appropriate child seat must be provided in accordance with the UK child car-seat rules.
Along the way
Stops, language and communication.
Pick-up can usually be arranged from hotels, B&Bs, train stations and bus stations on public roads. The exact point will be agreed before the tour.
Mark aims to include a comfort stop approximately every one and a half hours. If you need a stop, please ask. Facilities belong to public or private third parties, so we cannot guarantee their accessibility or layout.
Tours are provided in English. Mark may use Scots or Borders dialect words relevant to the story, and will gladly explain any expression or subject that is unfamiliar.
Remote sites may have limited or no mobile reception. Reception varies at every location, so please do not rely on being connected throughout the day.
Talk it through first
A short conversation can prevent a difficult day.
Please explain any access needs before payment. Mark can then outline the walking, vehicle travel, ground conditions and likely facilities for the route you are considering.