Go Tweed Valley case study

Project manager Rich Rowe told us about their product. "The trail launched on 1 May 2024 following 18 months of work with landowners, fishing interests, river guides and local businesses. It’s the first of its kind in the south of Scotland.”

The canoe trail runs for 30 miles, starting minutes away from Dawyck Botanic Garden and finishing just beyond Sir Walter Scott’s magnificent Abbotsford.

Their intention is to promote the canoe trail as an experience to enjoy from April to September, so avoiding the peak salmon fishing season in October and November.

The canoe trail has already generated great interest from around the world – even featuring on a Canadian radio station’s recent podcast.

“This is great news in terms of helping attract an international audience to the area – not least the North American market which is known to bring the highest spend amongst visitors to Scotland.”

From visitor feedback they’re discovering that visitors are interested, not just in paddling the River Tweed, but also in experiencing lots of other activities and attractions on and around the river. This is just what they intended when creating the trail.

"We would like to plug many more tourism businesses into the trail – from accommodation providers to eateries and attractions along the route – as well as work with other river users to add layers of experience for those paddling the river."

Rich and his team have great ambition. "It would be great, for instance, to work with one or two fishing beats and offer the chance for visitors to down paddles for a half day and enjoy a fishing experience with a knowledgeable local ghillie/boatman. It’s the kind of added extra that could really elevate the experience of the trail – and of course lead to a wider understanding of the river and its ecology."

What’s in the future for Go Tweed Valley?

Rich was delighted when the Tweed Valley Tourism BID received a strong mandate to continue for a second term of five years in our recent renewal ballot. They will now press on with a key list of priority actions, with a particular focus on tourism infrastructure.

"This will range from the exciting – we have plans for a Tweed Valley Literary Trail – to less glamorous but vital elements (parking, overnight provision for motorhomes, toilets, bike storage and more) that are needed if we are to ensure that the area meets the needs of visitors, businesses and local communities alike."