around Peebles and The John Buchan Way £2.00 Paths Around Peebles Contents Route 1 5km/3miles Venlaw and Soonhope 8 Route 2 6.5km/4miles Hamilton Hill and Standalane 10 Route 3 6.5km/4miles The Sware Circuit 12 Route 4 11km/7miles Tweed Walk to Lyne 14 Route 5 6.5km/4miles Haystoun, The Cut and Cademuir 18 Route 6 22km/13miles John Buchan Way 20 Route 7 8.5km/5miles Around Cademuir – Forest and 26 (11km/7miles) Forts Route 8 11km/7miles Janet’s Brae, Eshiels CW and 28 Glentress Route 9 9.5km/6miles Tweed Valley Railway Path 30 Route 10 5km/3miles The Barony Loops 32 Route 11 13.5km/8miles The Cloich Loop 34 Route 12 various Cardrona Forest 36 The Donalds Sub-Munro Hill List 38 Peebles Hay Lodge Park 2 Paths Around Peebles 3 3 11 10 11 11 2 2 1 1 8 3 8 2 4 9 4 3 4 9 4 5 8 9 6 7 5 7 5 12 9 6 7 6 7 Paths Around Peebles Hay Lodge Park, the River Tweed with Peebles Parish Church’s crowned belfry in the background Introduction Peebles - past and present This booklet includes 9 routes starting Peebles is first noted as being a royal burgh from Peebles in Central Tweeddale, 2 in 1152 when David I assigned a rent from routes starting from Eddleston and routes the firma burg. However, there is evidence in Cardrona Forest. The area is ideal for of an organised settlement before the 12th walking because the town is surrounded century. The famous Cross Kirk was built on by rolling hills, includes areas of extensive the site where an early Christian stone cross woodland and offers gentle walks along was discovered in 1261. The area at the the banks of the River Tweed. The routes west side of the Eddleston Water, where the are especially suitable for walkers. Other remains of the Cross Kirk are, is referred to users may not be able to use all parts of the as the ‘old town’. routes where there are steps or stiles. Although not of significant strategical The routes described range from short importance the town still suffered burnings strolls to more strenuous hill climbs. Each from English armies between the 14th and route has a summary containing distance, 16th centuries. Despite its status as a royal estimated time to complete, start and finish burgh, which enjoyed the occasional royal points and an indication of the terrain to visits, the town was poor and was not walled be expected. The routes include much until the 1570’s. historical and natural interest which is alluded to in the text. However, further The town has a history of tourism; until the information about Peebles history and 17th century people made pilgrimages to the natural resources is available from the shrine at the Cross Kirk. Although recorded Tourist Information Centre in Peebles or over the centuries as manufacturing wool from local bookshops and other outlets. and cloth, the town’s trade was meagre 4 Paths Around Peebles and foreign trade negligible. In 1830 the The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives population of the old and new town was 2100. detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights and if you are The current population is approximately managing land and water. The Act sets out 8000. The town received a boost in numbers where and when access rights apply. The as the woollen industry blossomed here in Code defines how access rights should be the second half of the 19th century; a time exercised responsibly. when larger houses began to be built. The creation of the railway at this time allowed for greater movement of people and trade. Peebles Hydro was opened in 1878, firmly establishing the town as a tourist destination. Know the Code before you go... In 1920 Hay Lodge Park was acquired for the people of Peebles from Wemyss and Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - March Estate. This magnificent large park is responsibly! situated on the banks of the River Tweed. The Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors! Everyone has the park boasts trees of all ages including older right to be on most land and inland water specimens of great interest and the density of for recreation, education and for going from trees in places gives a woodland effect. Yearly place to place providing they act responsibly. maintenance ensures that the park has large These access rights and responsibilities are mown areas and colourful planting. There is a explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. network of paths within the park boundaries The key things are: that lead to the wider countryside; these 5 When you’re in the outdoors: routes are included in this booklet. There is ● take personal responsibility for your own also a well-equipped children’s play area. actions and act safely; ● respect people’s privacy and peace of mind; Peebles is well known for its traditional ● help land managers and others to work sense of place; the wide main street has safely and effectively; many buildings of historic interest. The shops ● care for your environment and take your litter home; and cafés are mainly privately owned and, ● keep your dog under proper control; therefore, create a unique atmosphere for take extra care if you’re organising an event locals and visitors alike. The neighbouring or running a business. Forestry Commission Scotland woodlands and community woodlands add to the green When you’re managing the outdoors: spaces within and around the town. ● respect access rights; ● act reasonably when asking people to avoid land management operations; Access in Scotland ● work with your local authority and other bodies to help integrate access and land The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and management; the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into ● respect rights of way and customary access; effect in February 2005. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act establishes a statutory right of Find out more by visiting responsible access to land and inland waters www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or for outdoor recreation, crossing land, and telephoning your local Scottish Natural some educational and commercial purposes. Heritage office. 55 Paths Around Peebles General Advice Toilet Facilities Before setting off on longer walks, always Public toilets in Peebles are situated in check the weather forecast and prepare Kingsmeadows car park, Hay Lodge Park yourself accordingly. Remember that (summer only), East Station car park on weather conditions can change rapidly. Edinburgh Road and School Brae. Remember that hot weather, causing sunburn and/or dehydration, can be just as debilitating as rain or snow. Always Livestock carry adequate cover for your body in all Many of the routes in this booklet pass conditions. through livestock farming areas. Please remember that the farmer’s livelihood may On longer hill walks you should always depend on the rearing and sale of livestock, wear or carry good waterproofs, proper and always act responsibly. Dogs can be walking boots, windproof clothing, and take a particular concern for farmers during food and drink with you. These provisions lambing time (March – May) and when may not be necessary on the shorter, cows are calving (Spring & Autumn). low level walks, but a light waterproof and refreshments are still worth taking, Dogs therefore should not be taken into just in case. When out on the hills, a map fields where there are young livestock. This and compass should be carried to aid includes all young livestock such as lambs, navigation. calves and foals. In more open countryside where lambs are present, keep your dog on a short lead. Take great care when walking on country Disturbance at this time can separate young roads. livestock from their mothers leaving them ● Pavements or paths should be used if cold, hungry and exposed to predators. provided ● If there is no pavement or path, walk Dogs should not be taken into fields of cattle on the right-hand side of the road so when they have calves, as the cows see a that you can see oncoming traffic. You dog as a threat and may attack it. Go into a should take extra care and be neighbouring field or onto adjacent land. prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor During the bird breeding season (April – light, keep close to the side of the June) keep your dog under close control road. It may be safer to cross the road or on a short lead in ground nesting areas. Without a dog, if you walk quietly through well before a sharp right-hand bend so livestock areas, keeping a safe distance that oncoming traffic has a better from stock and watching them carefully, chance of seeing you. Cross back after you should experience little or no difficulty. the bend Please leave gates as you find them and ● Help other road users to see you. ensure that if you have to open a gate, you Wear or carry something light coloured, close it securely behind you. Thank you for bright or fluorescent in poor daylight your cooperation, which will help to ensure conditions that these walks are available for those who follow in your footsteps in future years. 6 Paths Around Peebles Health Warning! Germs from animals can cause serious human illness. Stay safe from diseases when out in the countryside by: a. Washing hands with soap & water (or use wet wipes) after visiting the toilet, after activities, touching animals and before handling, cooking and eating food b. Taking care to avoid spreading Glensax horseshoe animal faeces on footwear Waymarking and Maps c.