For those who enjoy active leisure holidays and short breaks set your sat nav for the south of Scotland and Northumberland.

Whether you prefer to hold a fishing rod or a golf club; to saddle up, hit the saddle or pull on your walking boots – the brilliant borderlands have got something extra special for you.

The Activity Borders section at exploretheborders.com provides an in-depth look at what’s on offer, forthcoming events and useful contacts to follow-up for bookings and enquiries.

Fishing - The reputation of the River Tweed, Scotland’s second longest river (in spite of the fact that its final four miles flow through England into the North Sea), is second to none and attracts anglers from all over the world.

Drawing life from a 1,500 sq mile (4,000sq km) catchment area of wild uplands and fertile valleys, the river, flowing 98-miles to Berwick and the sea, fully deserves its status as one of the world’s great salmon and trout fisheries.

St Mary's Loch, the largest natural loch in the Borders Region, is a draw for anglers who prefer fishing for pike whilst Northumbria Water’s magnificent facilities at Kielder Water and Fontburn are also a popular choice.

Golfing - There are over 50 golf courses to choose from in the Scottish Borders all set amidst stunning scenery and score highly when it comes to hospitality.

Walking - Our region is a paradise for walkers of all abilities, whether you are seeking a gentle stroll or something a little more challenging, the borderlands, from countryside to coast are a perfect fit.

The annual Borders Walking Festival held in September attracts visitors from all over the UK and Europe, and there are some stunning dedicated walks including St Cuthbert’s Way, John Buchan Way and, depending on your direction of travel, a starting or finishing point for the Pennine Way.

Riding - The same rugged backdrops are also home to ever popular horse trails, there’s nearly 300-miles of trails in the borderlands, and a quality network of facilities for riders and their horses is on offer to visitors.

Biking - If you prefer a saddle that comes with two wheels the borderlands are supremely geared to deliver. The Scottish Borders and Northumberland boast some of the finest and most challenging biking trails in the UK and are a magnet for bikers everywhere.

Diving and Surfing - The coastline stretching 100kms north from Druridge Bay in Northumberland to St Abbs, just north of Eyemouth, is as good as it gets - officially an area of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest.

In truth, the entire stretch will take your breath away and attracts divers from all over the world who can enjoy excellent walk-in dive opportunities as well as organised dive trips with specialist boat companies.

Coldingham Bay, north of Eyemouth, is also building a strong reputation for its surfing opportunities.