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Scott’s View (Scotland) and Dryburgh Abbey – Tips + photos

Last updated on December 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Between visits to the Border’s Abbeys, take the time to drive on a small road to discover the scenic landscapes around River Tweed.
Stop at the magnificent viewpoint known as Scott’s View Scotland before continuing to maybe visit the isolated and peaceful Dryburgh Abbey.
Below is my guide to plan your visit.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

  • Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
  • Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
  • Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
  • Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel
Scott's view Dryburgh Abbey Scotland
Content
Why visit Scott’s View in Scotland?
PLANNING TIPS & Map – Scott’s View, Scotland
Scott’s View road, carpark and name
Scott’s View in pictures
Dryburgh Abbey – Where Sir Walter Scott is buried
Driving in the Borders

Why visit Scott’s View in Scotland?

Scott’s View is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Scotland.
It is one of the best locations to visit in the South of Scotland, in the region called the Borders.
The views are quite different from the Highlands, but still fascinating. If you want to see more Scottish landscapes, check out my selection of pictures.
Have a look:

Scott's view in Scotland
Scott’s view in Scotland

More photos after the planning tips.

PLANNING TIPS & Map – Scott’s View, Scotland

How to get to Scott’s View location

  • On B6356, off A68 – between Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey
  • In the Bemerside, Borders area
  • 5 min drive from Dryburgh Abbey
  • 10min drive from Melrose Abbey
  • 20min drive from Jedburgh Abbey
  • Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Map - Scott's view Location
Map – Scott’s view Location

The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available in both my Travel Guide eBooks. They help you easily plan your Scotland Road Trip: 

Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!
  • 15 easy-to-plan maps
  • 170+ pre-selected locations
  • GPS coordinates 
  • Useful planning tips
  • 170+ large photos 
Discover it
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 60+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 115+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates 
Discover it

Visit Tips

  • Just a few parking spaces at the viewpoint (see next section)
  • No facilities
  • Free access

Where to stay nearby?

  • You can easily visit the view on a day trip from Edinburgh – Check out the best rated accommodations in Edinburgh
  • But if you want to stay in a quieter area, the towns of Melrose or Jedburgh are great options – check out the best rated accommodations in Melrose and more in Jedburgh
Need to rent a car in Scotland?

My tips:

  • Compare prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
  • Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
  • Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

See available cars

Scott’s View road, carpark and name

As you approach on B6356 you cannot miss the viewpoint.
There is a small carpark along the road.

The viewpoint is at 181 meters (593ft) above sea level.

Scott's View parking
Scott's Viewpoint

Why is it called Scott’s View?

It is known as being one of the favorite views in the Borders of Sir Walter Scott.
He was a Scottish historical novelist, poet and historian who lived between 1771 and 1832.
For example, he wrote:

  • The Lady of the Lake
  • Waverley
  • The Bride of Lammermoor
  • Ivanhoe
  • …

Learn more on his wikipedia page.

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Claire, I pay you a coffee!

Scott’s View in pictures

And below are pictures taken from Scott’s View. It was spring so all the flowers were blooming.
There are benches if you want to stay for a while and enjoy the view.

Scott's view Scotland 1

Below is the valley of the River Tweed.
And, in front of us, are the 3 peaks of the Eildon Hills. Those hills are from volcanic origin.

Scott's view Scotland 3
Scott's view Scotland 4
Scott's view Scotland 5

Dryburgh Abbey – Where Sir Walter Scott is buried

If you are not yet tired of visiting abbeys, you can also head to Dryburgh Abbey.

How to get to Dryburgh Abbey location

  • Compared to Melrose Abbey or Jedburgh Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey is a little more isolated
  • 15 min drive from Melrose Abbey
  • In the town of Dryburgh near River Tweed
Dryburgh Abbey Scotland 1

Visiting Dryburgh Abbey

  • Dryburgh Abbey opening times: 9:30 to 5:30 from April to September – 10am to 4PM in Winter (last entry 30min before closure) – check out latest here
  • Entry price is £5.50 per adult as of 2016
  • No views from the carpark
  • Plan 15min to 1h to visit depending on your interests
Dryburgh Abbey Scotland 2

About the Abbey

Dryburgh Abbey was first established in 1150, the house of the Premonstratensian Order. It has a really peaceful atmosphere located in a lace of River Tweed.
Most of the Abbey is accessible without any stairs.
It is not as impressive as Melrose or Jedburgh but a lot more walls of the various buildings remain.
It is the burial place of Sir Walter Scott.

From the carpark, you cannot see Dryburgh Abbey:

Dryburgh Abbey Scotland 3

I had checked pictures before and decided not to visit.
I focused my time on the more impressive Jedburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey. But to help you decide, here is a photo from another photographer.

Driving in the Borders

The Borders are a painter’s dream. The colors and light are beautiful. Below are a couple of shots:

Driving in the The borders Scotland 1
Driving in the The borders Scotland 2

Other highlights of South Scotland to consider visiting:

  • The fascinating triangular castle of Caerlaverock – read article
  • The charming ruins of Sweetheart Abbey – read article
  • The ancien site of Cairnholy – read article
  • The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
  • And the impressive forts, East of Edinburgh: Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle

Planning a trip to Scotland? 

Check out my guide to help you plan your road trip:

Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
eBook Travel Guide Mallorca
  • 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 170+ pre-selected locations
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 170+ original photos to help you choose
Discover it!

And keep track of your own trip!

Scotland road trip Journal

PREVIOUS: 

MELROSE ABBEY

NEXT: 

JEDBURGH ABBEY

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

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