A drive, cycle, tour, or walk in Bemersyde would not be complete without stopping to admire Scott’s View. A simple stone plinth and plaque mark the spot; visitors utilize the on-site parking for a quick stop for the view or a relaxed picnic. It’s especially striking in spring when gorse (shrubs) add a burst of color and in fall when the autumn colors arrive. Some day trips from Edinburgh include Scott’s View; check itineraries to confirm.
Literature buffs come to see the landscapes that inspired Sir Walter Scott, who lived nearby.
Picnic tables are available on-site for relaxing while soaking up the views.
The viewing point is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some areas have uneven stones.
The area is a favorite local sport for newly married couples to be photographed and can be busy on weekends.
Scott’s View is 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of Melrose. It is most easily accessed by car; from the B6404 St Boswells-Keslo Road, turn off along the B6356, signposted to Dryburgh Abbey. About one mile along, there is a signpost for Scott’s View. Follow for 2 miles (3 kilometers). Car parking is available on-site. Some visitors visit Scott’s View by bicycle or as part of a guided tour.
If possible, choose a weekday over a weekend for the most peaceful experience at Scott’s View. Every local has their own favorite time of day and time of year at this lookout point; the colors of spring and fall are memorable, and sunset is beautiful, but Scott’s View offers striking beauty throughout the year.
Literature buffs may want to continue their tour beyond Scott’s View to see Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. This mansion, home to the novelist’s study and landscaped gardens, is an impressive estate with woodland, riverside walks, and a visitor’s center complete with a café, exhibition, and gift shop.