Activities in the Valley
Looking for things to do in the Scottish Borders?
Then, you’ll love the variety of activities and experiences on offer at Ale Water Valley. From clay pigeon shooting to horse riding and golfing, choose an activity you love or try something new. We also offer fantastic places to stay in the Scottish Borders, including holiday cottages and B&Bs, as well as exceptional restaurants, cafés and pubs. Discover our range of tourist attractions and destinations below.
Ashkirk Driving Range
Needing a bit of golf practice or just some exercise and fresh air? You would struggle to find a more satisfying way to spend a fiver than to hit a basket of balls at one of the many targets across the 350 yard, floodlit Ashkirk Driving Range. Bring along some pound coins and give it a go! If you don't have coins or clubs just phone Steph on 07799 647577 and she will lend you some clubs and sort out payment.
If you want a bit of help with your swing, why not organise some lessons with resident coach Brian Smith? Get in touch with him on 07989 229383 - he has all the gear and will happily work with complete beginners through to seasoned professionals.
Phone: 07799 647577 / 07970 715736
Address: Ashkirk Driving Range, Haughhead, Ashkirk, Selkirk TD7 4NS
www.ashkirkdrivingrange.co.uk
Bisley at Braidwood
Set in over 40 acres of beautiful Scottish Borders countryside with views over to the Eildon’s. Bisley at Braidwood is a hidden gem. Home to the best sporting shooting in Scotland.
Whether you are an experienced shooter or would like a fun day out, we have something for everyone. We also have facilities for Air rifle shooting and Full-bore rifle shooting.
Oscar’s Café within Bisley at Braidwood serves fresh homemade meals and refreshment Tuesdays to Sundays and it is open to everyone. Feel free to drop in after walking around the wonderful Ale Valley Water area.
Phone: 01835 870 280
www.bisleyshooting.co.uk
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Clerklands Fly Fishery
Open 7 days a week.
Please contact Peter for opening times, prices and any other information. Any enquiries relating to fishing should be made via text messaging.
Phone: +44 7732 775845
The Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (ISEC)
Whether you are a complete beginner or intrepid horse rider, the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre is the flagship facility in the Scottish Borders for lessons, hacking and competition fixtures.
The Centre sits at the very top of a hill overlooking the Ale Water Valley, with views beyond to the Cheviots and Ruberslaw, and across to the Eildons and the Three Brethren.
The hacking over the farm is unrivalled, with rolling terrain for experts seeking to practice their cross country riding and a network of tracks for the more nervous rider - one of which leads up to a trig point with 360 degree views of some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
The horses and ponies too are a mix of the safe and steady, and those with a bit more about them to challenge the more experienced rider. From Nelly and Buster, to Lottie and Faith, and Murphy and Tam - there are characters galore.
And as for the people - it may be called the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre but it should really be the Jenny Stark Equestrian Centre, as she is the lady at the helm. With a cheery smile and a wealth of knowledge she will get you booked in, meet you on arrival, help you get your safety gear on and find the right horse and instructor for your needs. Lisa and Elma have worked with Jenny for years and years and between the three of them they will have taught hundreds - or thousands! - of Borders equestrians to ride. Morag, Ben, Zoe, Daisy, Kirsty and Tim are also familiar faces at the Centre - as is Murdie, the enormous and very noisy yard cat....
The Centre also has a busy fixtures schedule and welcomes bookings of the indoor arena for all sorts of activities - not just dressage and showjumping but also dog agility, indoor inflatables and rugby training!
So why not get in touch? Call the Centre on 01750 20202
www.ianstarkequestriancentre.co.uk
Kayak and SUP Hire and Sales Scottish Borders
Getting on the water in the Scottish Borders is easy using us. We offer day hires of paddle boards and kayaks from Midlem (TD7 4QD) or we offer hourly hires at Clerklands Loch on Riddell Estate or at St Marys Loch. All our equipment is top quality and suitable for beginners. Buoyancy aids are included with all hires with the option of adding a wetsuit. We also do group bookings and lessons too upon request. Great value pricing.
Phone: 07974344063
Online Booking
The Woll Golf Course
The Woll golf course is the most popular Members and Visitors Course in the Borders. The 18 hole parkland course follows the gentle contours of the Ale valley with mature trees and water features. The peaceful atmosphere and natural environment of the Estate, combined with the first class facilities and course ensure members, visitors and guests get the most out of their experience. With day packages including Meals in the Restaurant it is hard to beat!
Phone: 01750 32711 (opt 1)
www.wollgolf.co.uk
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Lilliesleaf Golf Course
Next to Dimpleknowe holiday cottage, the Lilliesleaf Golf Course is a fun course for the less discerning golfer. Dress is informal, and dogs and children are welcome at all times.
The course is made up of 11 challenging holes, with a mixture of par 3’s, 4’s and a par 5. In total the course measures 59990 yards.
Hazards include trees, water and bunkers. From time to time additional hazards may appear.
Phone: 07811559300/01835 870 333
www.dimpleknowe.co.uk
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Gail Pow Beauty Therapy
In the heart of the Scottish Borders, Gail Pow Beauty salon is the perfect place to indulge all your beauty needs and requirements. A small personable salon offering a wide range of treatments using the best quality products available.
The following treatments are offered-
Manicures
Pedicures
Facials
Massages
Enjoy our wide range of services in a cozy and homely environment which can be tailormade to individual needs.
Phone: 07879552938
Facebook page- Gail Pow Beauty Therapy
