Spalsh Away

Here’s a tailored 5-day water sports-focused tour of the Scottish Borders for you and your family, starting from Edinburgh. It includes minibus hire options and highlights prime paddle boarding and canoeing spots.

🚐 Minibus Hire in Edinburgh

To accommodate your family and waters ports gear, consider hiring a spacious 9 seater Renault traffic from Edinburgh.

🗺️ 5-Day Scottish Borders Waters ports Itinerary

Day 1: Edinburgh to St Mary’s Loch

  • Drive: Approximately 1.5 hours via the A703 and A708.
  • Activity: Paddle boarding and kayaking at St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders.
  • Equipment Hire: Available at Kayak and SUP Hire Scottish Borders, based at St Mary’s Loch.
  • Accommodation: Stay nearby in Selkirk or at local B&Bs around the loch.

Day 2: Megget Reservoir

  • Drive: A short 20-minute scenic drive from St Mary’s Loch.
  • Activity: Enjoy paddle boarding in a tranquil setting surrounded by rolling hills. paddleranger.com
  • Note: Ensure you have the necessary permissions or check for any restrictions before paddling.
  • Accommodation: Return to your previous night’s accommodation or explore options in nearby towns.

Day 3: River Tweed – Tweed Valley Canoe Trail

  • Drive: Head to Peebles, approximately 1 hour from Megget Reservoir.
  • Activity: Canoeing or kayaking on the newly established Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, a 30-mile route divided into six segments suitable for various skill levels.
  • Equipment Hire: Available from local providers in the Tweed Valley area.
  • Accommodation: Stay in Peebles or Innerleithen, offering a range of lodging options.

Day 4: Ale Water Valley

  • Drive: Approximately 30 minutes to Ale Water Valley.
  • Activity: Paddleboarding in a serene environment, ideal for families.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying in Melrose or Galashiels for easy access to the next day’s activities.

Day 5: Melrose and Return to Edinburgh

  • Morning Activity: Explore Melrose Abbey and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the River Tweed.
  • Afternoon: Begin your return journey to Edinburgh, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive.

🌦️ Weather Forecast for Edinburgh (May 24–28, 2025)

Low clouds with occasional rain and drizzle in the afternoonSaturday66°53°Low clouds with occasional rain and drizzle in the afternoon
Partly sunny with a shower in spotsSunday58°46°Partly sunny with a shower in spots
A brief morning shower or two; otherwise, mostly cloudyMonday58°47°A brief morning shower or two; otherwise, mostly cloudy
Partly sunnyTuesday61°47°Partly sunny
Mostly cloudy with a little rainWednesday63°50°Mostly cloudy with a little rain

📝 Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Booking: Reserve your hire minibus and water sports equipment in advance, especially during peak seasons. Edinburgh is a popular destination with tourists so the 9 seater vehicles get booked up soon
  • Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear and check local conditions before heading out on the water.
  • Local Regulations: Ensure you have the necessary permissions for paddling in certain areas, as some lochs and rivers may have restrictions.
  • Accommodation: Consider booking accommodations that offer storage for your watersports equipment.

Enjoy your adventurous family trip exploring the beautiful waters of the Scottish Borders! If you need further assistance or more detailed information on any part of the itinerary, feel free to ask.

Contact the local depot in Edinburgh on 0131  322 6597