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Go Tweed Valley is the public face of the Tweed Valley Tourism BID – a business-led initiative. Based in the Scottish Borders, they promote the region working with local tourism businesses and developing new products.
They work with more than 100 local tourism businesses promoting the Tweed Valley to visitors. Last year they launched their canoe trail which is proving popular with visitors.
Meet project manager Rich Rowe from Go Tweed Valley based in the Scottish Borders.
This is a small but diverse area and we aim to deliver an unrivalled experience for visitors of all ages and interests.
Meet Project Manager Rich Rowe from Go Tweed Valley based in the Scottish Borders.
Go Tweed Valley is the public face of the Tweed Valley Tourism BID – a business-led initiative that aims to turn the area into one of Scotland’s leading year-round activity destinations.
They work with more than 100 local tourism businesses promoting the Tweed Valley to visitors.
Go Tweed Valley, river Tweed
Rich 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.
Responsible tourism is central to everything that we do.
Go Tweed Valley are committed to helping develop a strong, sustainable and high-quality tourism offering, with responsible travel at its core.
Rich emphasised that responsible tourism is key for local communities and local businesses and he believes also more rewarding for visitors themselves.
Vistors carrying canoe on Tweed Valley Canoe Trail
© Go Tweed Valley
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.
Tweed Valley Canoe Trail
© Go Tweed Valley
The Tweed Valley continues to go from strength to strength as a destination but we still need to work hard to find new ways of attracting an even wider range of visitors and helping them have the best experience while here.
Tweed Valley is known for it’s mountain biking even hosting the UCI World Championships at Glentress. Local tourism businesses have seen first-hand the positive economic impact that mountain biking has brought to restaurants, pubs and accommodation in the Tweed Valley.
They’re seeing that businesses are embracing their new canoeing visitors with open arms, capitalising on the opportunity.
Local businesses have already reached out to Rich and the team. “Several hotels and self-catering businesses along the trail have already partnered with us on the paddler-friendly accommodation front and we expect more to come on board as interest in the trail develops.”
We encourage all businesses looking to get involved in the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail to get get in touch to chat through your ideas.
"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."
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."
Responsible tourism is considering the wider impact your business and visitors could have on Scotland, and the world.
Implementing sustainable practices and considering the natural enviroment around us can positively impact not only your business but the wider community.
