St Ronan's Wells, Wells Brae, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire EH44 6RB, United Kingdom

## Overview St Ronan's Wells is a historic public drinking spring located on Wells Brae at the northern edge of the Scottish Borders town of Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. Once a celebrated spa destination, St Ronan's Wells rose to prominence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when visitors flocked to the area to "take the waters," believed to have therapeutic and curative properties. The spring's fame was further cemented by Sir Walter Scott's 1824 novel *St Ronan's Well*, which drew literary tourists to the town and helped establish Innerleithen as a fashionable spa resort. The name "St Ronan" refers to a 6th-century Celtic saint who, according to local legend, used the waters of this spring to defeat the Devil in the Tweed Valley — a story still commemorated each year during the town's St Ronan's Games, one of the oldest Border festivals. The wells and their surroundings have been a focal point of community life in Innerleithen for centuries. Today, the site retains its historic pavilion, which houses a tap dispensing spring water. The pavilion and grounds serve as a pleasant reminder of the town's spa heritage and remain open to the public free of charge. ## Directions 1. From the centre of Innerleithen, look for the **brown tourist signs** directing you to St Ronan's Wells. 2. Follow the signs northward through the town along **Wells Brae**. 3. The spring and pavilion are situated at the **northern edge of Innerleithen**, a short walk or drive from the High Street. 4. GPS coordinates: **55.624186, -3.0674785** There is no admission fee. The site is open to the public, with reported hours of **9:00 AM to 5:00 PM**. ## What to Expect Visitors will find the restored **St Ronan's Wells Pavilion**, a charming structure that echoes the site's 19th-century spa heyday. Inside, a tap provides access to the spring water — historically prized for its mineral content and reputed health benefits. The water has long been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike, though as with any natural spring, individual caution is advised. The surrounding grounds are well-kept and offer a peaceful spot for a stroll. The area sits on the edge of town with easy access to the wooded hillsides above Innerleithen, making it a natural starting point for walks into the Tweed Valley. The pavilion occasionally hosts local events and exhibitions related to the town's spa history. Innerleithen itself is a lively Borders town with cafés, shops, and world-class mountain biking trails nearby, so a visit to St Ronan's Wells pairs well with a broader day out in the Scottish Borders.