The great outdoors: Revived line runs through heart of some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery

The Borders Railway links Edinburgh with the Scottish Borders, taking in a marvellous slice of Midlothian, where its industrial heritage come to the fore.

It’s just 30 miles in length, but the line packs a real scenic punch.

The Borders Railway follows the old Waverley Line, which connected Edinburgh with Carlisle before closing in 1969, six years after the Beeching Report.

Today, the route goes as far as Tweedbank, near Melrose, having reopened in 2015. Stops include Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow and Gala.

Apart from all Edinburgh has to offer – including Princes Street Gardens, adjacent to Waverley Station – excellent bus links mean the likes of Dalkeith Country Park, the National Mining Museum of Scotland in Newtongrange and Melrose Abbey are within easy reach.

The National Mining Museum tells the story of the Lady Victoria Colliery. The colliery opened in 1895 and exploited Midlothian’s rich coalfield.

The railway also passes Gore Glen, just south of the capital where, in 1794, Scotland’s first gunpowder mill opened. For nearly 70 years the river here was used to drive 10 water wheels.

The woodland delights of Gore Glen, the Eildon Hills or a stroll along the River Tweed to Dryburgh from Newtown St Boswells highlight the diversity of the landscape to be discovered.

Rosslyn Chapel and Abbotsford House illustrate the wealth of culture and history that sits along or near to this wonderful rail line.

Factfile

Waverley Railway Station has 18 platforms in use, and around 30,000 passengers pass through the station every day

Dalkeith Palace was built in 1702 and is the former seat of the Duke of Buccleuch. Bonnie Prince Charlie lodged here for two nights during the Jacobite rebellion of 1745.

Melrose Abbey was established in 1136 by David I and was the first Cistercian monastery to be built in Scotland.

See more: visit scottishhorizons.photoshelter.com