AN HISTORIC track through some of the remotest parts of the Borders has re-opened.

And ramblers will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of ancient drovers this weekend with an official fundraising opening-walk for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Captain's Road is widely believed to be one of the earliest trails connecting the upper Ettrick and Yarrow valleys.

It was a popular drovers route for centuries and was even used for scenic horse-drawn tours of the area for tourists.

But the arrival of modern-surfaced roads in the early 20th century led to it becoming overgrown and almost lost.

Both the Tibbie Shiels and Tushielaw inns were positioned close to the road.

The Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company managed to raise funding earlier this year to fix the ‘missing link’ on the Captain’s Road.

Cash from Paths for All, the Langhope Rig wind farm fund, SBC Access team and local donations have led to improvements and sign-posting.

Vicky Davidson from the Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company told us: "The Captain's Road linked Ettrick and Yarrow, from Hopehouse to Tibbie Shiels at St Mary’s Loch.

"It had become really difficult to follow the original route, but not any more.

"This is a beautiful walk and one we hope many people will now enjoy."

On Saturday (November 2) walkers will have the chance to complete the six-miles Captain's Road from Tibbie Sheils over to Tushielaw.

Registration for the fundraising event takes place in the Tibbie Shiels bar between 9.30am and 10am - £10 for adults and £6 for children.

Vicky added: "Everyone is welcome to join us for a walk with stunning views over the hill road to Ettrick."

There will be soup waiting for the walkers at Tibbies as well as lifts back the starting point.