THINK of rural Scotland and it is all too often the rugged Highlands that soar uppermost in the mind. But the enchanting Borders region – with its salmon-rich rivers and lush valleys – is increasingly capturing the hearts of outdoor-lovers.

This oft-overlooked region may not have the dramatic vistas provided by the north but its softer, more quietly charming beauty – with the Highlands traditional red and brown earth colourings giving way to meadows of endless green – is a sight to behold.

Driving south into the Borders (the area lies just an hour from Edinburgh) you are greeted with some of the most stunning views Scotland has to offer.

That’s quite a boast, but as the verdant hills give way to bustling market towns, you find yourself being seduced by this truly lovely area.

We took a trip to the pretty town of Kelso to stay at the Roxburghe hotel, lying in one of the country’s most spectacular country estates.

Set in 56,000 acres, the estate is flanked by the Cheviot Hills and the rolling moorland of the Lammermuirs as well as the beautiful Tweed Valley.

The 22-bedroom hotel is approached by a sweeping woodland driveway and manages to feels warm and welcoming as well as being a place of elegance and grandeur.

Beloved by country gents and gentlewomen – and home to a golf course that must surely rank among the most beautiful in Scotland – it is a slice of luxury that both would delight any visitor.

Guests immediately feel at home with a roaring wood fire in the entrance lobby, deep pile tartan carpets and a bar to the left with its high walls piled high with fascinating old books.

Our party – me and my partner Ginia, our five-month-old daughter Esme and 11-month-old Flatcoat Retriever puppy, Gus – was part small family, part travelling circus. (Believe me, a dog this excited by life is much harder work than the baby.) But the staff took great care to make sure our stay was as comfortable as possible.

On arrival, we were shown to our splendid suite – a huge four-poster bed in a master room with sofas, fireplace, a small dining table and a bathroom with his and hers sinks. A travel cot was provided for the little one.

The hotel has only recently started letting dogs stay in their opulent guest rooms and Gus was beside himself with joy at the place he was spending the next two nights. He wasn’t the only one.

After settling in we decided to head out for a walk in the magnificent surrounding woodland. Passing the trout fishing lake and the shooting range we suddenly stumbled onto the most picturesque and sweeping of golf courses.

It has been a while since I swung a club in anger but I was tempted to dust down my Mashie niblick and give it a go, such was the pull of the green.

However, it was not to be as we had an appointment with Jodie at the health and beauty parlour which is situated in a pretty annex to the main hotel.

Ginia went in for a massage and facial while I strapped the baby in the sling and wandered off into the forest with the dog scampering around like all his birthdays had come at once. Ninety minutes later, Ginia emerged glowing from the treatments she had just received.

After a wee rest it was time to sample the hotel’s sumptuous restaurant. The name Chez Roux tells you it is going to be the very best and it didn’t disappoint. The hotel staff had kindly helped organise a babysitter for us while we went to dinner which we thought was a really nice touch.

Taking advantage of this rare freedom we sampled some pre-dinner drinks and canapés - the halibut ceviche was just about the tastiest dish I had ever eaten.

Onto the main meal and Ginia started with Albert Roux’s signature dish of Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Suissesse. It was to die for. I plumped for the pea veloutee with pancetta. It quickly surpassed the ceviche as the tastiest thing I had ever eaten.

Main courses of steak and halibut followed in the same vein to round off a perfect meal.

Back to the room and Gus was also in heaven. Before leaving we'd ordered a special room service meal for him from the Albert Roux-prepared dog’s dinner menu. Being a lover of his four-legged friend, Roux wanted to go the extra mile for guests with pets. And so it was that Gus enjoyed salmon, mackerel, spinach and brown rice risotto served in a silver dog-bowl. We did warn him not to expect such wonders every night.

There is plethora of things to do in the Borders region but top of our list was to go fly fishing on the Tweed.

So, following a hearty breakfast, we were picked up from the hotel by our ghillie, Jonathan, who was to guide us through our first venture into the water.

“The tug is the drug,” he told us, of the addiction fly-fishermen feel of this most elegant of country pursuits, as we tried to whip our line and fly through the air in the hope that a passing salmon would rise. Sadly, they steered clear of our lines and our wonky above-water line-acrobatics was in vain this time. But just being in this beautiful river with waders on, the sun beating down – and the castle looming ahead – was bliss.

The most popular tourist attraction in the Borders region is Floors Castle, Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle and home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh.

The castle lies in a grand estate of its own so we decided to explore the walled gardens before heading into the main fortification. Now, even for those not blessed with green fingers, this floral wonderland really is something to write home about.

Located next to the Terrace Cafe – which was packed with both locals and tourists sampling its home-made cakes and lunch delights – the gardens are certainly worth the small diversion.

Finally we got to Floors Castle itself, a proper-looking fortress complete with turrets, battlements and symmetrical wings. Movie buffs may recall it from the 1984 film Greystoke: The Legend Of Tarzan, Lord Of The Apes.

Its rich history – it was built in 1720 – is explained in a very chatty style by guides in each room, even pointing out the spot where King James II of Scotland was killed by standing too close to a cannon as his army attacked Roxburgh Castle (this was before Floors Castle was built).

As our visit drew to a close we realised we had only just scratched the surface of the abundance of places to see and experience in the Borders.

This most beguiling of Scottish regions tugs at your sleeve and heart like a tiny child and a return visit is already on the cards.

5 things to do in Kelso

Town centre: Sir Walter Scott described Kelso as “the most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland”, and the bustling town centre is certainly eye-catching. Boasting the country's largest cobbled market square, it is home to a wide array of independent shops, pubs and cafes.

Kelso Abbey: The Abbey was founded at Roxburgh in 1128 by a community of French monks of the Tironesian order, it fell into ruin. in the 16th century. www.visitkelso.com/content/kelso-abbey

Smailholm Tower: Situated five miles west of Kelso on top of a crag of Lady Hill, this peel tower offers fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. www.smailholm.bordernet.co.uk/history/tower.html

Nenthorn Equestrian Centre: Just north of the town, the centre caters for all ages and abilities and has around 60 horses./www.nenthorn-equestrian.co.uk

Mellerstain House: Designed by William and Robert Adams, this 18th-century stately home stands in 80 hectares of parkland and offers woodland walks, coffee shop, children's play area and plenty more www.mellerstain.com