The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge

The Scottish Borders are a peaceful place. Admittedly, it wasn’t always so, but nowadays there aren’t many places quite as quiet – perhaps nowhere more so than the lovely Ettrick Valley which runs west from the historic town of Selkirk. If you’re touring the Borders, we’d advise a detour through the valley to stay for a night or two at The Cross Keys Inn. This 17th-century roadside tavern has been recently renovated to provide a welcoming place to eat, drink and stay.

Situated in the village of Ettrickbridge, it’s a perfect base from which to explore the area, and offers a good place to return to each night. From the outside, this stone building is full of character, and inside that’s been honoured as well. Old photographs line the walls, an open fireplace has been retained and wooden floors and tables give it old-world charm. Wheelback chairs do that too – but they’ve been softened with upholstered seats that match the pub’s comfy bench seating.

Upstairs, this softness is amplified in seven bedrooms that are lighter and airier than the bar and restaurant. Floors are carpeted, headboards upholstered, pillows plump and curtains floor-length. The windows they surround frame countryside or village views, and there are more of those in paintings by local artists on the walls. There’s a bedroom here to suit most visitors, whether you’re looking for dog-friendly or pet-free, family-sized, a double or a twin. Each is individually designed to fit into this old building, but all have the same inclusions – an en-suite, flatscreen TV, WiFi, hairdryer and kettle.

A proper Scottish breakfast is included and a Scottish dinner is on the cards too, with a tempting menu featuring all your traditional pub classics made with seasonal local produce. This place has been brought back into business by Rory and Vicki Steel, son and daughter-in-law to a former MP for the area, Lord David Steel. They champion the surrounding area in everything from the toiletries to what’s on tap. By providing a place to stay here in the Ettrick Valley, they're encouraging you to get out and explore it. Whether you do that on foot or with a fishing rod in hand, on two wheels or on four, is totally up to you – just don’t pass by this tranquil spot. It's worth noting the same owners have a 16th-century self-catering castle in the Scottish Borders called Aikwood Tower.