2013-2014 Ranger led Activities and Paths to Health Walk It Walks

Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service/ Paths to Health - Walk It Walking Project Environment and Infrastucture, Council HQ Newtown St Boswells MELROSE TD6 OSA Tel: 01835 826750 email :[email protected] [email protected] web www.scotborders.gov.uk/walking

BOOKING For most of the activities listed in this pamphlet there is no need to book in advance. Where booking is required this is stated in the description for the event.

STARTING AND FINISHING Starting times for the events will be strictly adhered to, but finishing times are approximate. The starting points are indicated by a six figure grid reference. Where the walks are linear, transport may be arranged or the walk may fit in with public transport. Where possible for these linear walks walkers are encouraged to use the public transport suggested. The approximate time involved for each activity is given in the programme.

The leader will turn out irrespective of weather conditions. The decision whether or not to proceed with the event will be made at that time.

DOGS Please note that dogs are not allowed on any of our walks or events due to the likelihood of encountering cattle or livestock with young.

TYPE OF ACTIVITY WALK The WALKS are not too rough, but will be wet on occasions and inclement weather may worsen conditions. Participants are advised to come adequately shod and clothed, and Wellingtons or boots may be advisable on wet days. On most WALKS no packed lunches will be required. The WALKS are not hikes and are designed for family groups and for all ages and abilities. Walks will be taken at a leisurely pace rather than as a method of getting from A to B in the shortest possible time! All children under 13 must be with an adult.

TYPE OF ACTIVITY HIKE For the HIKES it is essential that you bring a packed lunch for the all day events and that you are well equipped for hill walking. Clothing should include a good pair of walking boots and warm and waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers). Gloves and hat, whistle and torch, a hot drink, spare jersey and emergency rations should be carried in a rucksack or similar, especially during the winter months. All children under 18 must be with their parent. GRADING • EASY Suitable for older people, those with limited walking ability and families with young children. • MODERATE Suitable for most people of average fitness. • LONG Suitable for people who can manage distance but not many climbs. • STRENUOUS Involving steep climbs or with physically demanding activities.

Further Events Information about an extensive range of other ranger led walks and activities within the Lothians and the can be found at: www.outdoor-diary.info Other local events are listed in local events programmes including Borders What’s On and Borders Events.

Donald’s Hill walks HIKES “Donalds” are hills in Southern with a height of over 2000 feet. Percy Donald visited every elevation over the 2000 foot threshold, south of the Highland Boundary Fault, whilst compiling his list . In total, there are 89 hills classed as “Donalds” of which 38 are in the Scottish Borders. In 2013 there are Donald Hill walks. Culter Fell and Walking Festival walks. More information www.scotborders.gov.uk/walking

SCOTLANDS GREAT TRAILS www.scotlandsgreattrails.org.uk

Berwickshire Coast Path Walk the coastline. go to the harbours at Burnmouth and , the cliff-nesting birds at Head, Pease Dean woodland and Cove. www.scotborders.gov.uk/berwickshirecoastalpath

Southern Upland Way The was opened in 1984 and is Britain’s first official coast to coast long distance footpath. It is 212 miles long, running from Portpatrick on the southwest coast of Scotland to Cockburnspath on the eastern seaboard. website www.southernuplandway.gov.uk

Walk the Borders Abbeys Way A circular long distance route of 68 miles/109kms through the central Scottish Borders . It includes the towns of and Selkirk and links the Borders Abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh. website www.scotborders.gov.uk/ bordersabbeysway

St Cuthbert’s Way The life and progress of St Cuthbert has provided the inspiration for this route. St Cuthbert started his ministry in Melrose in about 650AD and was buried on Lindisfarne. The route includes Melrose Abbey, The Eildon Hills, The River Tweed, Dere Street (Roman Road), the Cheviot Hills, the Northumberland Fell Sandstone Moors and the Lindesfarne National Nature Reserve. website www.stcuthbertsway.info

Ranger Led Walk Programme 2013-2014

Scottish Borders Biodiversity Month 18th May – 16th June This month long programme of events for all ages is a great way to discover the fantastic variety of wildlife local to you. Join in walks and talks across the Scottish Borders. The Borders Biodiversity Month leaflet will be out by the end of March and available in Tourist Information Centres and libraries throughout the Borders. Alternatively log onto www.scotborders.gov. uk/naturally or phone 01835 826750.

Sunday 19th May, 10am - 4pm Burnmouth to St Abbs HIKE - LONG An 8 mile/ 13 km cliff top walk along a beautiful section of the Berwickshire coastline. A good opportunity to see a large variety of wildlife including spring flowers and seabirds. Meet at the high car park overlooking ST ABBS harbour. NT 919673. Adults £8, Concessions £6, Children free - cost includes transport to start of walk. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 22nd May, 7pm - 9pm Birgham Haugh WALK - EASY/MODERATE A circular 2 mile/3 km walk alongside the Tweed looking at the variety of birdlife and other wildlife which inhabits this haugh. Birds to look out for include Osprey, Yellow wagtail and Ringed plover. Meet at the car park towards the eastern end of Birgham village. NT 791391. Adults £3, Concessions £2, Children Free. Under 13’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday 26th May, 2pm - 4pm Biodiversity event- Pond dipping at Lindean Loch ACTIVITY - EASY Turn up any time between 2pm. and 4pm. Come and have a go session for all ages. Meet one of the Countryside rangers and learn about the stickmen and the stonemen that live in the loch. Can we find the rare water spider?. All equipment provided. Stay for 20 minutes or an hour and catch small water creatures. Optional self-guided walk (1 km) on the path around the loch. FREE. Meet at wooden platform at loch-side near Lindean Loch Car Park.TD7 4QN NT505293

Sunday 2nd June 12noon - 4pm Indoor & Outdoor event - Wildlife Family Fun Day Try pond-dipping, listen to underwater sounds in the wildlife garden, make a bumblebee house or create your own leaf art. There are lots of activities and hands-on advice from wildlife experts too. FREE entry. Harestanes, Ancrum, Jedburgh TD8 6UQ NT641244. For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Saturday 8th June, 10am - 3pm Bier Law Circular HIKE - MODERATE Starting from Walkerburn we will climb through the forest looking down on this wee mill town nestled in the valley and there are great views north to the Moorfoot Hills for much of the walk; a good chance to see wild flora and a variety of bird species. Distance of 7 1/2miles/12km; climb of 869ft/265m. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet outside the Henry Ballantyne Memorial Club on Caberston Road WALKERBURN, NT360370. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free.

WALK THE BORDERS ABBEYS WAY to celebrate 900 years of the foundation charter for The Borders Abbeys Way is a circular long distance route of 109km/68 miles through the central Scottish Borders area. It includes the towns of Hawick and Selkirk and links the Borders Abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh. This year there is the opportunity to walk the route in 6 sections in the week 17th-22nd June. Supported by Kelso Townscape Heritage Initiative, the walks are free with free transport provided. No Dogs. To book a place contact VisitScotland Kelso, Townhouse, The Square , Kelso TD5 7HF 01573 228055 email kelso@ visitscotland.com Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential

Monday 17th June, 10am - 5pm Borders Abbeys Way – Kelso to Jedburgh HIKE - LONG Look out for goosander, heron and dippers on the . A total distance of 13 miles / 20 kms total. FREE. Meet at 10am at the Knowes car park, KELSO (behind the Abbey). NT 729338. Free return transport provided at end of walk. Booking essential

Tuesday 18th June 10am - 5pm Borders Abbeys Way – Jedburgh to Hawick HIKE - STRENUOUS Walk over Black Law to and Denholm, then following the River Teviot. A total distance of 14.5 miles/23 kms, total ascent 1300ft / 400m. FREE. Meet at 10am at Teviotdale Leisure Centre Car Park, HAWICK. NT505153. Free transport provided from here to start of walk. Booking essential

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Wednesday 19th June 10am – 4.30 pm Borders Abbeys Way – Hawick to Selkirk HIKE - LONG Walk through farmland and forestry following part of the old Thief’s Road. A variety of wildlife and flowers should be seen and good views from Wollrig and Drinkstone Hill. A total distance of 12 miles/19 kms with a climb of 1,200ft/370m FREE Meet at 10am at bus stance, Selkirk Square, SELKIRK. NT470284. Free transport provided from here to the start of walk. Booking essential

Thursday 20th June 10am - 4pm Borders Abbeys Way Selkirk to Melrose HIKE - LONG Walk along this section of the Borders Abbeys Way. The route takes us over Selkirk Common, past Half crown Corner to Cauldshiels loch and then by Abbotsford to follow the Tweed to Melrose. A total distance of 10 miles/16 kms with a climb of 875ft/270m. FREE. Meet at 10am outside the Visitor Information Centre opposite the Abbey in MELROSE. NT 547343 Free transport provided from here to the start of walk. Booking essential

Friday 21st June 10am - 4pm Borders Abbeys Way Melrose to Dryburgh to Makerstoun HIKE - MODERATE Walk Priors walk, past the Rhymers stone and by . Follow Tweed and roads to Makerstoun. A total distance of 9 miles/14km kms FREE Meet at 10am outside the Visitor Information Centre opposite the Abbey in MELROSE. NT 547343 Free return transport provided. Booking essential

Saturday 22nd June 11am -3pm Borders Abbeys Way – Makerstoun to Kelso HIKE – MODERATE The final leg of the Borders Abbeys Way takes us from Makerstoun through fertile arable land and around wooded estates back to Kelso 7 miles / 11kms. FREE. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 10am at the Knowes car park, KELSO (behind the Abbey). NT 729338. Free transport provided from here to the start of the walk. Claim your Borders Abbeys Way Completion Certificate! Booking essential

Further Information Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service rangers@ scotborders.gov.uk 01835 826750 www.scotborders.gov.uk/bordersabbeysway

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Tuesday afternoons in July and August 2nd, 9th,16th, 23rd, 30th July 6th, 13th, 20th August 2pm Bay Summer Explorers WALK/ACTIVITY- EASY Join a ranger to explore the wildlife around the beach. Meet at Lifeguard hut Coldingham Bay NT916665. Free. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. www.scotborders.gov.uk/coldinghambay

Depending on tide times activities will be chosen from the following; l Rock-pooling l River-dipping l Plant folklore l Bug hunts l Journey sticks l Creative collecting

Saturday 17th August 10am – 5pm Culter Fell HIKE - STRENUOUS Climb 2 of the 38 Border Donalds (hills over 2000 feet) on this 9 mile/14km hike around the Holms Valley (total climb 2800ft/ 860m); an opportunity to see upland wildlife and good views across the Forth/Clyde Valley. No dogs. Meet near Glenkirk at the end of the public road. NT079294. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] 1st – 7th September Scottish Borders Walking Festival – Innerleithen and District The 19th Scottish Borders Walking Festival is based in Innerleithen and District. The Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the oldest established walking festival in Scotland, has a reputation for being one of the friendliest walking festivals of the year. The full programme will be available from VisitScotland Information Centres in April. Walks led by the ranger Service are listed below. Many other walks are offered too. Walk and event details will also be available on the website which makes booking on-line simple. www.borderswalking.com

The Countryside Rangers will be leading the following walks Mon 2nd Tweedbank to Clovenfords Tues 3rd The John Buchan Way Tues 3rd Glenkinnon to Walkerburn Wed 4th Thornielee to Walkerburn via Windlestraw Law Thurs 5th The Southern Upland Way: Galashiels to Innerleithen. Fri 6th Birkhill to St. Mary’s Loch via Herman Law Sat 7th Peebles to Kirkhouse by Glen Sax and Dun Rig

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Scottish Borders Heritage Festival 7 - 22 September 2013 The Battle of Flodden was fought in September 1513. This year marks the 500th anniversary. This year’s programme of events for all ages is a great way to discover and commemorate the history of the Battle of Flodden and its aftermath. Join in walks and talks across the Scottish Borders. The Borders Heritage Festival leaflet will be out by the end of July and available in Tourist Information Centres and libraries throughout the Borders. Alternatively log onto www.scotborders.gov.uk/heritageweek or phone 01835 826750.

Wednesday 11th September 1pm – 4.30pm Borders Heritage Week – The toun, a flag and a battlefield WALK - MODERATE Join the council’s archaeologist to hear about some facts and folklore surrounding the castle on Peel Hill before heading across the Ettrick Water to hear some more facts about the Battle of Philiphaugh; a chance to hear a Borders ballad and see some archaeological finds. Distance of 4 1/2miles/7km. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet in West port car park SELKIRK NT469283.FREE.

Saturday 14th September 11am-3pm Heritage Week – Bowhill’s Slain Man’s Lea WALK - EASY The Lady’s Walk in Bowhill Estate has some very dark history hanging over it. Join us to hear the story of the massacre told partly in song and poetry. Once the noise of the Battle of Philiphaugh faded the screams of victims continued. Includes a visit to Newark Castle. Distance of 3miles/5km. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet in the courtyard at Bowhill House and Country Park, 3 miles west of SELKIRK on the A708. FREE.

Wednesday 18th September 11am - 4pm Borders Heritage Week - Coldstream and the Tweed: A walk along the Medieval Border WALK - MODERATE. A 6 mile/ 9 km walk in the company of Scottish Borders Council’s archaeologist and countryside ranger. Walk in the footsteps of King James IV on his way to Flodden field. The route follows the River Tweed passing Wark Castle before going through the magnificent Hirsel Estate. Meet in the car park next to the Castle Hotel, towards the west end of the Main Street, COLDSTREAM. NT 843398. FREE. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Sunday 22nd September 12pm - 5pm Borders Heritage Week - Ancrum Archaeology WALK - MODERATE Join the archaeologist for an afternoon exploring the paths around Ancrum looking at the archaeology. Locations visited will include Wanton Walls, Ancrum Kirk, Castle Hill and Ancrum Park. A chance to discuss “Where was the battle of Ancrum Moor?” FREE. Meet at War Memorial, Ancrum Green. NT628245

Sunday 29th September 10am - 4pm Map-reading for beginners HILLWALK MODERATE/STRENUOUS A day learning about maps including a hill walk. The morning session will be spent looking at the different types of map used by hillwalkers and how to plan a route for a walk. The afternoon will be spent walking in the Meigle Hill area using the maps. Course Fee £12/£10 Meet at The Focus Centre Livingstone Place Galashiels TD1 1 DQ. NT489359 To book a place contact [email protected] 01835 826750

Sunday 6th October 2 - 5pm Camera Walk – Landscape Photography for Beginners WALK EASY-MODERATE Join Keith Robeson, Countryside Ranger and landscape photographer on a 2½ mile/ 4km walk around Leaderfoot and Newstead within this National Scenic Area, to develop your landscape photography skills. Meet at the car park at Leaderfoot off the A68 on the south side of the Tweed between Earlston and St Boswells. NT575344. Adults £3, Concessions £2, Children Free. Under 13’s must be accompanied by an adult.

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Wednesday 23rd October 11am-4pm Tweed Valley Forest Festival - ‘The Big W’ HIKE - MODERATE A high and open route through Elibank and Traquair Forest affording good views of the Moorfoot Hills. Distance of 8miles/13km. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet outside the Henry Ballantyne Memorial Club on Caberston Road WALKERBURN, NT360370. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free.

Sunday 27th October 2-3.30pm Glenkinnon Burn Biodiversity Trail WALK - EASY An event in the Tweed Valley Forest Festival. Find out about the wildlife and trees in the Glenkinnon Burn Community Woodland. Under 13`s must be accompanied by an adult. FREE Meet at Car Park, below the Glenkinnon Oak Heritage tree Youth Camp site, 200m South of Ashiesteel Bridge off the A707 1.5 miles South of Clovenfords NT 436349

Saturday 23rd November 11am-4pm Cademuir Forest and the Cut WALK - MODERATE A pleasant walk with varied terrain, this route starts on the John Buchan Way and then turns into Cademuir Forest. There are great views of Hundleshope Heights and a return into Peebles by The Cut and Jubilee Community Woodland. Distance of 5 1/2miles/9km. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian. Meet Kingsmeadows car park PEEBLES, NT251402. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free. adult.

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] 2014 Sunday 5th January 1pm - 4pm Ladhope Moor HILLWALK - MODERATE Explore the area north of Galashiels. Buckholm Tower, Dobies Grave and Ladhope Moor. 5miles/8km A total climb of 800ft/250m. Under 13`s must be accompanied by an adult. Adults £2, concessions £1, children free. Under 13’s must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Car Park, just off the A7 at High Buckholmside, opposite Ladhope Inn. (Near the junction with the B6452.) Galashiels. TD1 2 HW. NT489367

Sunday 19th January 10am- 3.30pm The Three Brethren HIKE - STRENUOUS This route takes us up the Southern Upland Way to the top of Yair Hill. We then drop back down through the forest, alongside Glenkinnon Burn, to join the Tweed which is followed back to our start point. A chance to work off some of the Festive excess and to enjoy panoramic views of the Borders countryside. A total distance of 8 miles/13kms with a climb of 1,250ft/375m. Meet at Lindinny Wood car park on the south side of the YAIR BRIDGE on the A707, 3 miles/5 kms north of Selkirk, NT 459324. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent.

Saturday 8th February 10am – 4pm Auld roads and muckle cairns – Slipperfield Circular WALK - LONG Join the countryside ranger on a route of historic interest west of West Linton; you will follow a Roman Road beneath Mendick Hill, continuing to the western boundary of Scottish Borders and return on a high moor past Nether and Upper cairns Meet at the information board on the green in WEST LINTON NT149515. Adults £5, concessions £3, children free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent.

Sunday 23rd February 11am - 4pm Lauder Common HIKE - MODERATE A circular walk along part of the Southern Upland Way over Chester Hill and then following the boundary of Lauder Common before returning to the town over Brown Rig and Scarce Law. A chance for some fine winter views and to hear about some of the local history. A total distance of 8 miles/12.5 kms with a climb of 1,140ft/300m. Meet under the clock tower in LAUDER square,NT 530475. Adults £4 Conc £2 Children Free Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Sunday 16th March 10am - 4pm Minchmoor Road and the Three Brethren MODERATE – STRENUOUS A circular walk of 10 miles/ 16 kms from Yarrowford following the Minchmoor Road up onto the Southern Upland Way then along the ridge to the Three Brethren with fine views across the Tweed and Yarrow Valleys. Meet at the roadside car park on the A708 at Yarrowford (by the phone box). NT 408299. Adults £5, Concessions £3, Children Free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent

Sunday 30th March 1pm – 4pm St Boswells Riverside HIKE - EASY/ MODERATE A circular 5 mile /8km walk along the River Tweed via Dryburgh. Take in part of the Borders Abbeys Way and St Cuthberts Way. Under 13`s must be accompanied by an adult. Adults £2, concessions £1, children free. Meet at the bus stance in ST BOSWELLS. NT594309

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 rangers@ scotborders.gov.uk

For further information contact Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service (01835) 826750 [email protected] Walk it is the Scottish Borders Paths to Health walk project and we lead shorter walks that will encourage people to become more active through walking. Our walks are social events and offer you the chance to get out and about, meet new people and make new friends. Comfortable shoes and clothing and a light waterproof are all you need. Some routes may be rough underfoot with low level gradients. Are you aware that the Government guideline for physical activity is 30 minutes per day for five days each week? Do you also know that the Main Risk Factor for Coronary Heart disease is inactivity? An easy way to meet this target is to walk every day. Walking can really benefit your Health and well being. There are also opportunities to become a certified walk leader. For further information contact: Paths to Health - Walk It Scottish Borders Council Planning Department, Council HQ Newtown St Boswells MELROSE TD6 OSA Tel 01835 826750 email [email protected] website www.scotborders.gov.uk/walkit

Are you interested in Walking? Why not join a Walk It walk in the Borders. A Walk It walk is a Health Walk – Short, Safe, Social, Low Level, Led and Free.

Weekly, fortnightly and monthly Walks. Most walks last around 1 hour. All walks are free. Most walks finish up with refreshments which are also free!

Chirnside Every fortnight on a Thursday at 10am. Meet at the Bus Shelter at Crosshill. Contact Walk Leader – Annette - 01890 818769

Coldstream Every fortnight on a Thursday at 10am. Meet just outside the Community Centre in Coldstream. Contact Walk Leader – Guy – 07717547861

Darnick Weekly - every Tuesday at 10am. Meet outside Darnick Community Garden, Tower Road. Contact Walk Leader – Lisa – 07502128247

Duns Every Fortnight on a Monday at 10am. Meet at the Mercat Cross in Duns Square. Contact Walk Leader - Myra on: 07837451486

Earlston Weekly - every Thursday at 9.30am. Meet outside Rhymers Tower Café (next to Rutherford’s Garage on the A68). Contact Walk Leader - Mary – 07717706931

Eyemouth Weekly - every Tuesday at 10am. Meet at Eyemouth Community Centre. Contact Walk Leader – Sheila – 01890 750870

Galashiels - Centre Weekly every Wednesday at 10am. Meet just outside the Focus Centre, Livingstone Place, Galashiels. Contact Walk Leader – Robert - 01896 752375.

Galashiels - Tweedbank Fortnightly - every 1st and 3rd Monday at 10am. Meet outside Herges in Tweedbank Contact Walk Leader – Maureen – 01896 757634

Hawick - Burnfoot Weekly – every Friday at 10.30am. Meet at Burnfoot Health Flat. Contact - 01450 375730.

Hawick – Town Centre Weekly – every Wednesday at 10.00am. Meet at Lawson’s Bridge, Common Haugh. Contact Walk Leader – Bill on 01450 870837

Innerleithen Weekly - every Friday at 10am. Meet outside the Whistle Stop Café. Contact Walk Leader – Shirley - 07717547843

Jedburgh Weekly – every Monday at 10am. Meet outside the Tourist Information Office in Jedburgh. Contact – Denise - 07813535394

Kelso Weekly – Every Tuesday and Friday at 10am. Meet outside the Tourist Information in the square in Kelso. Contact Walk Leader – Ray for Tuesdays on 01573 226261 or Peter for Fridays on – 01573 224037

Lauder Weekly - every Wednesday at 10.am. Meet outside Lauder Leisure Centre, Lauder. Contact Walk Leader – John - 01578 722207

Newtown St Boswells Third Thursday in every month at 10am. Meet outside Milestone Garden Centre. Contact Walk Leader – Susan – 07717547858.

Newstead, Melrose and Gattonside Monthly last Friday of every Month at 2pm Meet outside the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Melrose. Contact Walk Leader - Isobel on 07976 276 796

Melrose Weekly every Thursday at 10am Meet at Market Square Melrose Contact Denise - 07813 535394

Peebles Weekly every Monday at 10am. Meet outside the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles. Contact Walk Leader – Brian - 01721 720981 or (722784) Reston Monthly on First Sunday of the Month. Meet at the front of Reston Village Hall at 2pm. Contact Walk Leader - Ruth on: 07806 765216

Selkirk Weekly every Monday at 10am. Meet outside the community wing of Philiphaugh primary school Contact Walk Leader - Dougie – 07717547849

St Boswells First Thursday in every month at 10am. Meet at St Boswells Bus Station. Contact Walk Leader Susan - 07717547858

Walkerburn Weekly - every Wednesday at 10am. Meet at the Walkerburn parking area. Contact Walk Leader – Bill or Nancy - 01896 870586

Walk It Borders Disability Forum around the Scottish Borders Monthly walks. dates and times to be confirmed Contact – Denise – 07813535394 Various locations

Access in Scotland The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into effect in February 2005. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act establishes a statutory right of responsible access to land and inland waters for outdoor recreation, crossing land, and some educational and commercial purposes. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights and if you are managing land and water. The Act sets out where and when access rights apply. The Code defines how access rights should be exercised responsibly.

Know the Code before you go... Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly! Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and for going from place to place providing they act responsibly. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The key things are:

When you’re in the outdoors: ● take personal responsibility for your own actions and act safely ● respect people’s privacy and peace of mind ● help land managers and others to work safely and effectively ● care for your environment and take your litter home ● keep your dog under proper control ● take extra care if you’re organising an event or running a business.

When you’re managing the outdoors: ● respect access rights ● act reasonably when asking people to ● avoid land management operations ● work with your local authority and other bodies to help integrate access and land management ● respect rights of way and customary access.

Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess- scotland.com or by telephoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office. OTHER PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE Borders Abbey Way, Official Guide £2.00 Short Walks on the Eastern Southern Upland Way £2.50 Short Walks on St Cuthberts Way £9.99

A series of Paths Around Booklets have been produced and include: Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick, Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, Coldstream, Duns, Newcastleton, Peebles (incorporating the John Buchan Way) and Eyemouth and East Berwickshire( including the Berwickshire Coastal Path) These are priced at £2 Free Leaflets on various walking routes and topics including: St Cuthberts Way, Southern Upland Way, Berwickshire Coastal Path, Local Cycling Trails, Countryside Visits - Easy Access to the Countryside These, and more, are available from Harestanes Visitors Centre and Visitor Information Centres throughout the Scottish Borders.Tel 01835 863170 Most are available to download free of charge from www.scotborders.gov.uk/ walking

Alternative format/language You can get this document on tape, in large print, and various other formats by contacting us at the address below. In addition, contact the address below for information on language translations, additional copies, or to arrange for an officer to meet you to explain any areas of the publication that you would like clarified.

Scottish Borders Council Ranger Service Environment & Infrastructure Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells MELROSE TD6 0SA Tel: 01835 826750 Email: [email protected]

Designed by Scottish Borders Council Graphic Design Section - February 2013