5 of the most scenic drives in the Borders

Dominated by lush green rolling countryside and punctuated by pleasant market towns, the Scottish Borders are ideal for a spot of scenic driving.

These five varied routes can be utilised over a quiet weekend.

Carter Bar to Edinburgh

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If you're brave enough, start this route from the English side of the border.

Enjoy a picture with the 'Welcome to Scotland' sign, before crossing the invisible threshold and heading north along the A68 through a string of pretty Borders villages - consider taking a brief detour to Melrose to enjoy its beautiful abbey.

Continue along the A68 and enjoy the verdant scenery that engulfs the area, stopping of near Lauder for a quick tour of Thirlestane Castle.

Continue to the northern reaches of the region before continuing to the incomparable capital city.

Distance: 58 miles

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St Mary's Loch is the largest body of water in the Scottish Borders (Photo: Shutterstock)

Moffat to Selkirk

Start in the inviting village of Moffat, stock up on local toffee, and then hit the road - first heading along the A708.

It's easy to see why this route was once voted as one of the most scenic in Britain by the AA - the string of tarmac is peppered with sharp corners and rugged, brutish scenery typical of Scotland.

The stretch along St Mary's Loch is particularly enjoyable - the body of water is typically tranquil and relatively unspoilt by visitors.

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Continue along the glorious stretch of road until you reach the historic town of Selkirk above the Ettrick Water.

Distance: 35 miles

Cove to St Abbs

As well as possessing rolling hills, and rocky mountains, the Borders is home to some of Scotland's most underrated coastal scenery.

Start this drive at the pretty fishing village of Cove, situated among rugged coast. Now, head south and briefly join the A1, before heading east along the A1107. Enjoy the greenery which surrounds you while the ocean remains temporarily out of view.

Once you reach the town of Coldingham, head along the B6438 and reunite with the north sea - on a rare sunny day these views the frigid waters may even look inviting.

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Finish up at the fishing village of St Abbs - an oasis of civilisation among the wild rocky coast.

Distance: 12 miles

Cove is impossibly situated among treacherous rocky features (Photo: Shutterstock)

Langholm to Tweedbank

Start at Langholm, nicknamed "the Muckle Toun", which sits on the trickling River Esk.

Drive along the A7 and admire the undulating and predominantly green views on show.

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Consider stopping at Teviothead and taking a brief hike to the Colterscleuch monument - awithc hat shaped structure erected in the nineteenth century to celebrate poet Henry Scott Riddell.

Carry on along the A7 through Hawick andSelkirk, before linking up with the River Tweed and finishing in historic village; Tweedbank.

Distance: 42 miles

Heriot to Innerleithen

Though only 13 miles, this single track road through Tweeddale is packed with scenery and historic interest.

Start in Innerleithen and drive north along the B709 through the rough, but pretty countryside, following the peaceful Leithen Water.

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Consider stopping off at Colquhar and exploring the hamlet's ruined 16th century tower.

As you bear down on Heriot the surroundings tansform from a rough orangey brown hillsides to rolling green farmland. From Heriot the A7 is easily reached.

Distance: 13 miles