The Bonny River Tweed – Wild Swimming Scotland

When it comes to swimming in the Borders you don’t have to venture too far into Scotland before encountering the River Tweed. At around 97 miles long it’s the fourth longest river in Scotland behind the River Tay (117 Miles), Spey (107 Miles) & Clyde (106 Miles). It’s even the 10^th in the United Kingdom, so it’s a pretty impressive river.

“Why are you telling me this?” I hear you cry, well actually just thought it would be nice to look at this River in a little more depth. We so often come to a body of water, check for obstacles, what the conditions are, but how often do we think about the many people who may have bathed in this water before us? If any historically important happenings had occurred at this very spot? It got me thinking of doing a more in depth look at the River Tweed. It completely embodies the Borders, even down to it being a physical border between Scotland and England in parts. If you were to swim in those sections of river you’d complete one of the shortest crossings between two countries, who needs the channel!

The Tweed’s source is from Tweed’s Well near the village of Tweedsmuir and flows through 2000 square miles of rivers and streams, that apparently covers 6% of the whole land area of Scotland. It flows all the way to the North Sea at Berwick Upon Tweed meandering through some of the most gorgeous picture book towns and villages. In parts really curving and carving in to the landscape before the final swoosh of the classic ‘S” shape before hitting the salty expanse. That end part of the river circumnavigating Berwick-upon-Tweed is one that actually ends in England. The most northerly English town has a long history of being fought over between the English and the Scots, finally becoming part of England in 1482. Although interestingly the football team ‘Berwick Rangers’ still play in the Scottish League.

Although I’m getting ahead of myself and skipped right to the end whereas there’s so many places to see along the way, but when water cuts between two places you know full well there are going to be many bridges! There are not many obstacles that are great in a river, but a bridge is one of them. Some ornate ones to marvel at, whilst others creating perfect peek-a-boo spots to wave at dry land walkers. The River Tweed is no different, it has many. From ancient stone ones, to disused railway ones, to small ones and even a Hollywood worthy viaduct. The Leaderfoot Viaduct at Melrose has been the topic of conversation this year after being the location for an upcoming Marvel series ‘The Franchise’ and has also starred in the latest Indiana Jones film. (Even though they apparently listed the location as being in Switzerland, which only adds to the Scottish Borders bragging rights – it’s so beautiful it could be Swiss!)

Then if you meander along the length of the river you are inundated with points of interest. There’s the Trimontium Roman Fort; which is the latin for the place of three hills. Named after the three peaks in the Eildon Hills where you can find the fort which was discovered by railway builders in 1846! The Tweed was also used as a mode of transport for the Romans, so you wonder what sort of treasures it could be concealing.

When thinking of treasure though, nothing comes close to the whisperings of the Holy Grail, yes that chalice supposedly used by Jesus himself. Myths, legends or historical fact the grail is said to have its final resting place along the Tweed at Melrose Abbey. Just one of the Abbeys along the stretch of this winding river. Melrose Abbey is also where the heart of Robert the Bruce (King of the Scots from 1306 – 1329 who led the first war of Scottish Independence against the English) is said to be buried. If that’s not your thing though, there’s also Kelso, Jedburgh and even Dryburgh Abbey where you can see the grave of Sir Walter Scott. You can also pop to see the William Wallace Statue that towers over the river on the banks of Dryburgh at 20 foot high, if you prefer.

If you believe the Angling community “more Atlantic Salmon are caught in the River Tweed than any other river in the world”. It has a long history of fishing dating all the way back to the 11^th century. If you’re lucky enough you may even encounter one in some of its crystal-clear waters. Always worth checking both ways to see if you’ve got anyone fishing in waders in your desired spots, as these lovely swooshy deep bits are usually good for fishing too. Although fun fact under old Scottish Law it’s a criminal offence to fish for Salmon on a Sunday…. so it’s a perfect time for a dook if your desired spot is a popular one!

But really when you think of the River Tweed, what comes to mind? Is it history or bridges? Is it salmon or is it the well-known textile? Although there’s many variants of the story of how Tweed became named this way. Some saying it was a delivery note of Scottish ‘Tweel’ (A name for Twill) by an Englishman that created the name Tweed, others saying that the river powered the regions textile mills and was named in its honour. I could probably go onto write a thesis about it’s origins if I was so inclined, but either way there are Scottish roots to the name and now can be seen as a perfect accompaniment for a post swim warm up.

So next time you’re at the side of the Tweed, or if you’re reading this and thinking I want to explore those waters then get in contact with Lynda who will gladly show you around like you’re a local!