Waterside campsites near Selkirk
The Border town of Selkirk is steeped in history and offers easy access to the outdoors.
- Selkirk
Popular camping styles for Selkirk
Waterside campsites near Selkirk guide
Overview
Sitting above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Selkirk’s rich history involves such figures as William Wallace, James V and Sir Walter Scott. Visitors should also check out the town’s rich textile history and sample its famed local dish, the Selkirk bannock, a kind of fruit cake. Just west of Selkirk, Bowhill House and Grounds has an outdoor adventure playground and woodland trails while, to the east, the Ale Water Valley is the ideal setting for outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding and golf. While camping options in town are scarce, there are plenty of nearby spots.
Where to go
Melrose
A 15-minute drive north of Selkirk, the charming town of Melrose is home to the fascinating Melrose Abbey and is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Eildon Hills. Close to the town centre, Melrose Gibson Park Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers.
Hawick
Heading 15 minutes south of Selkirk, Hawick is especially known for its rich textile history, and continues to produce knitwear and cashmere today. The town is also home to the beautiful Wilton Lodge Park, which has a variety of walking paths along rivers and to waterfalls. Ten minutes east of Hawick, Wild Woods Camping Ruberslaw has tent pitches in a variety of settings, including inside a walled garden.
Newburgh
A 25-minute drive west of Selkirk, the village of Newburgh is located in the Ettrick Valley. The area is popular with cyclists who can pedal through the landscape and challenge themselves at the nearby 7stanes mountain biking centre. Fishing, horse riding, and kayaking are also popular activities. Here, the glamping site Ettrick Valley Yurts has a selection of yurts set in the rolling hills.
When to go
The Scottish Borders is a year-round destination. July and August, when Scottish schools are on holiday, is peak tourist season and also the warmest. The Selkirk Common Riding, held annually in mid-June, is the town’s most popular event and a spectacle not to be missed. For avoiding crowds while still enjoying mild weather, May and September are good options. April is the driest month of the year and December the wettest.
Know before you go
- Not all campsites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before travelling.
- If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- The closest train station is in Galashiels, which is a 15-minute bus journey away and has direct links to Edinburgh. Local buses can get you to most nearby places of interest.
- There are a few small supermarkets in Selkirk where you will find the essentials. For bigger purchases, head for Galashiels.
