This section is 26 kilometres in length and has a maximum ascent of 450 metres.
The route at the start is very direct following the line of Dere Street . From Maxton until Bowden Burn the route follows the meandering River Tweed.

This section has several stopping off points on the route but be aware the walk requires in excess of 5 hours. So plan a full day if you want to have any diversions.

Leave from the Harestanes Visitor Centre and follow the signs for Dere Street. At the first footbridge turn left and North for this final section.

The route climbs up gently from the Teviot Valley along "Dere Street". On the right is Peniel Heugh with the Waterloo Monument built in 1815 commanding a promanent position from miles around.
On the left in the distance is Rubers Law close to the town of Hawick.

The area is known for the skirmishes between the Scots and the English in the middle ages. An example is the Battle of Ancrum Moor (1545) from which comes the sad death of a local lass called Lilliard.

Lady Lilliard's Stone

Fair Maiden Lilliard lies under this stane,
Little was her stature but great was her fame;
Upon the English loons she laid many thumps,
And when her legs were cuttit off, she fought upon her stumps.

From the Lilliard Stone the Eildon Hills do not seem that far away and with the straight line of Dere Street ahead you might think the bulk of the days walk was over.
This is far from the case with some road work to follow before reaching the River Tweed near to Maxton Church.

Having reached the River Bank this could be a good spot to have a rest before tackling the second and more demanding part of the walk.

The walk now takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along the banks of the Tweed before heading to Bowden and Melrose.

In this River section you pass through the charming village of St Boswells where refreshments could be most welcome. A further section takes you close to Dryburgh Abbey. To reach this you need to cross the Tweed at the pedestrian bridge. Also in this area is the Wallace Statue.

The route now leaves the River Tweed by the Bowden Burn through Newtown St Boswells to the South of the Eildons.
Bowden is a small village at the foot of the Eildons with wide open views over the Cheviots. The Parish Church is a few metres off the route but worth visiting by those who like historic locations.

The Eildon Hills are one of the most recognised Border landmarks and the walk takes you over the saddle between the North and Mid Hills. From here you can look back to the Cheviots and the area walked through in the last two to three days. Ahead is the Tweed and Melrose. Close to the centre is the Abbey the end of St Cuthbert's Way.

Journeys end and here you will find many establishments offering refreshment or a roof to rest under. As in the days of the Abbey and the Monks, you can be sure of an equally warm welcome from the present day inhabitants of Melrose.