Although I’ve driven through the village of Innerleithen, around 10 miles east of Peebles in the Scottish Borders several times I’ve never stopped in the village. When I saw the brown tourist signs pointing to St Ronan’s Well I decided it was time to take a look.

I’m really glad I did. It was early evening so the Interpretation Centre was closed but the garden is open until dusk and there is a tap at which you can sample the spring water with plastic tumblers thoughtfully provided. There’s free parking outside, toilet facilities and plenty of benches with good views. I liked the sculpture of the little boy playing with his boat in the stream. I was the only visitor, so it was very tranquil.

The St Ronan’s Wells were popularised by the visit of the Scottish poet Rabbie Burns in 1787. This was reinforced when Walter Scott’s novel entitled, St Ronan’s Well, which tells the tale of several ladies who frequented the spa was published in 1823. The local Earl of Traquair had the Pavilion constructed in 1827.