Follow in the footsteps of the Romans, the Reivers, the drovers and the many others who for centuries have recognised the Scottish Borders as Scotland 's horse country!  Whether you're looking for a short circular route, a full-day picnic ride, a short break away with your horse riding somewhere different every day, or planning a longer distance ride, then South of Scotland Countryside Trails has a route to suit you. 

This network of  more than 350km of high quality multi-use trails stretches from the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh, south-east across to the Cheviot Hills on the English border with Northumberland, and west through the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway .  There are a wide variety of routes within an hour's drive of Edinburgh, Newcastle and Scotland's central belt, and most of the network is accessible within 2-3 hours drive of the north of England - you'll soon find it's well worth the drive and be planning your next visit. 

Many of the routes were developed specifically for horse-riders.  Over £0.75 million has been spent installing horse-friendly self-closing gates and sorting out drainage problems so you can enjoy the spectacular countryside without worrying whether you will meet bogs or obstacles you cannot get past. 

Full details of the network, including suggested itineraries, can be downloaded from www.southofscotlandcountrysidetrails.co.uk.  The routes are also identified on EMAGIN.  For a free copy of the SOSCT leaflet, or any of the individual leaflets covering specific routes and areas in more detail, e-mail h.mauchlen@bhs.org.uk.