Smailholm Tower is a compact peel tower standing on a craggy rise west of Kelso. Its defensive shape and exposed setting say a great deal about life in the historic Borders, where small fortified towers mattered as much as grand castles.
The site is also tied to Sir Walter Scott, who knew the area as a child and drew inspiration from its landscape and stories. Even when the tower interior is not the focus, the short walk and views across the fields make it a worthwhile Borders detour.