THINK of the Borders and you think of legends.

From literary to racing giants, the area can now add a new name to the list.

Showjumper Scott Brash won gold as part of the British team at the London 2012 Olympics.

And when you first arrive in the town of Peebles you can't fail to notice the gold painted postbox dedicated to local lad's triumph.

A drive along the banks of the River Tweed shows the town off at its best in glorious sunshine.

Our accommodation for our break was the three star family-run Tontine Hotel.

For location you can't get any better - in fact it's right at the gold postbox.

First impressions, and the exterior of the hotel looks like it could do with a fresh coat of paint, but I wasn't going to let that put me off.

Built between 1806 and 1808 by French prisoners of the Napoleonic wars, since 2001 it's been owned by the Innes family.

Stepping inside the reception area is a little basic, but welcoming staff were on hand to help.

We were shown to our room on the top floor. This was more like it. A bright new bathroom was pleasing and you can tell they are making progress with a refurbishment plan.

Whether it's a quiet break or an adventure-packed stay, the Tontine is ideally placed. It boasts 36 en-suite bedrooms, secure storage, drying room, free wi-fi and private parking for guests - a bonus in this busy town.

We were booked in for dinner, but wanted to explore the town.

There are many hidden lanes and streets to discover and one thing on the list was the John Buchan Museum, dedicated to the famous author who brought us the Richard Hannay character.

You really only had to take 39 Steps, as the museum was just a few doors along from the hotel. Unfortunately the volunteers who man it had gone home for the day and it was closed.

We enjoyed a coffee at a nearby deli Coltman's. When asked where we were staying, we were reliably informed to try the Tontine cocktails.

Back at the hotel, we decided to follow that advice and relaxed in the bar before dinner.

It had a nice atmosphere with large comfy sofas. A couple of Bellini's were ordered up. Refreshing with a little kick, our waitress told us the secret - a splash of peach schnapps.

There was a choice of dinner in either the Adam Room Restaurant or the bar/bistro area.

We went for the impressive Georgian dining room. Very Downton Abbey-esque with a fantastic view of the Glensax Hills.

The roast beef and root vegetables was delicious and just perfect for the surroundings. After a glass of wine to wash it down and it was time to retire to the lounge for coffee.

Peebles seems to be a place where people pass through and we were entertained by an Australian couple who were on a 200-mile trip.

Breakfast in the main restaurant set us up for the day before we checked out and went in search of two Borders legends.

No visit to the Borders would be complete with a trip to Abbotsford, once the home of novelist Sir Walter Scott.

But the real thrill for me was stepping into the Jim Clark room at Duns. Around 3000 visitors a year pay homage to one of the worlds greatest racing drivers.

Last stop before home was the east cost village of St Abbs.

The Scottish Borders certainly has lots to offer and maybe next time I'll be following in the steps of Buchan....

Deborah was a guest at the Tontine Hotel, High Street, Peebles, EH45 8AJ Phone: 01721 720892 For more details check their website at www.tontinehotel.com