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£2.00 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Contents

Route Distance Location Page

Route 1 6miles/9.5km Buckholm Circular 8

Route 2 2miles/3.5km Ladhope Recreation Ground 10

Route 3 7miles/11km Gala Hill and Langlee Woodland 12

Route 4 3miles/5km Langlee Woodland 14

Route 5 1miles/1.5km Nature Trail 16

Route 6 1miles/1.6km Gala Policies 20

Route 7 7miles/11km Hollybush Circular 22

Route 8 7miles/11km Peel and Yair 24

Route 9 1miles/2km Glenkinnon Community 26 Woodland

Route10 6miles/10km Meigle Circular 28

Route 11 4.5miles/7km Torwoodlee Circular 30

Route 12 16miles/25km Gala Circuit 32

Other various 34 routes

How To Get There Galashiels is well served by public transport with regular buses to and from a number of towns in the . Connections are available to , , Berwick upon Tweed and other places. For the motorist, Galashiels is easily reached from either the A7 or A68 via the A6091. Car parking is available in the town.

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Galashiels Toilet Facilities Galashiels originated in the Middle Ages The public toilets in Galashiels are situated as a small hamlet. The Borders area was in these areas: High Street; Bank Street and the focus of many of the battles of Anglo- the Bus station. Scottish wars of the 14th-16th centuries. Despite this, Galashiels managed to escape Waymarking and Maps the worst ravages of this period. A notable The routes are waymarked with the exception was in 1544 when the villages of distinctive yellow and dark green ‘Galashiels Buckholm and Galashiels were burned by Paths’ or ‘Clovenfords Paths’ discs. Some English raiders. of the paths follow sections of the so the discs may not be used View of Galashiels from Langlee Woodland People may be surprised to discover that here. Galashiels was really only a village until the Introduction late 18th century. The dawn of the Industrial Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50 000, sheet This booklet describes 12 routes in the Galashiels Revolution and the coming of the railway 73 or Explorer 1:25 000, sheet 338 maps transformed Galashiels into a thriving town. should be used in conjunction with this area, most of which have links into the town St Pauls Church centre. The routes are especially suitable for The , a tributary of the Tweed, was booklet so that walkers can identify the hills walkers. Other users may not be able to use a source of power and solvent to the factories and other points of interest. all parts of the routes where there are steps or and mills that were erected several hundred stiles. Three of the walks are in the settlements of years later. Scottish Borders Clovenfords and and two of the longer Festival of Walking walks go through the farms whose hills overlook The railway line from Edinburgh was The Scottish Borders Festival of Walking, Walk it is the Paths to Health Project in the these places. There are a variety of routes ranging completed by the North British Railway a week long celebration of walking and Scottish Borders and aims to encourage from short strolls in woodlands and around lochs (NBR) company in 1849 taking five years the countryside, was the first of its kind in people to take up walking as part of a to long hikes over the moors and hills. Each route to build. Initially it was called the ‘Border and has been held annually since healthier lifestyle. Our walks are usually has a summary containing distance, time taken Union’, however it was renamed the 1995. It usually takes place in September short and easy, though the routes can and terrain. This information will allow you to ‘’ in honour of Sir Walter and the host town rotates to give a different sometimes involve rough paths and low level choose the most suitable route at a quick glance. Scott, a Borderer and writer. Unfortunately choice of walks each year. Further details gradients. You will find the Walk It logo on Further information is available from Tourist the railway fell victim of the Beeching Review available from www.borderswalking.com. routes 1, 2, 3 and 7. We have chosen these of the rail network and was closed in 1969. Information Centres around the Borders. The fact walks for the length and level gradient. For that Galashiels is built in a valley means that on At the time of writing in 2011 there is work information telephone 01835 825060. many of the routes there are spectacular views of ongoing to design and construct a railway the town from the shoulders and summits of the from Tweedbank to Edinburgh. Golf Courses hills. On clear days the views extend far beyond Route 2, Ladhope Recreation Ground and Route the valley town and the neighbouring villages, 12, Gala Circuit partly or wholly go through for example, to the Moorfoot Hills, sitting north Ladhope and Torwoodlee Golf Courses. In west of the town. accordance with the guidelines laid out in the Access Code please be considerate to the Galashiels has hidden treasures both within and players by allowing them to take shots before around the town. We have produced this booklet crossing fairways, by being quiet and still and to encourage you to explore these areas. We hope keeping dogs on a lead at all times. This route that you enjoy these routes and do not encounter is most suitable for walkers. To avoid damaging any difficulties en route. However, if you do come the playing surface, cyclists and horse riders across a problem whilst on these routes, please need to keep to paths at all times and not go report it to the Scottish Borders Access team on on to any other part of a golf course. 01835 825060. Path Junction of Ladhope Woodland and Ladhope Walkers at Eildons viewpoint on Gala Hill Recreation Ground

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General Advice Please leave gates as you find them and ensure Before setting off on longer walks etc., always that if you have to open a gate, you close it check the weather forecast and prepare yourself securely behind you. Thank you for your co- accordingly, but remember that weather operation, which will help to ensure that these conditions can change rapidly. Remember walks are available for those who follow in your footsteps in future years. that hot weather, causing sunburn and/ or Know the Code before you go... dehydration, can be just as debilitating as rain or snow. Always carry adequate cover for your Health Warning! Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - body in all conditions. responsibly! Germs from animals can cause serious On longer hill walks you should always wear human illness. Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors! Everyone has the or carry good waterproofs, proper walking Stay safe from diseases when out in the right to be on most land and inland water , windproof clothing, and take food and Buckholm Hill countryside by: for recreation, education and for going from drink with you. These provisions may not be a. Washing hands with soap & water (or place to place providing they act responsibly. necessary on the shorter, low level walks, but Dogs therefore should not be taken into fields use wet wipes) after visiting the toilet, These access rights and responsibilities are a light waterproof and refreshments are still where there are young livestock. This includes after activities, touching animals and explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access worth taking, just in case. When out on the all young livestock such as lambs, calves and before handling, cooking and eating Code. The key things are: hills, a map and compass should be carried to foals. In more open countryside where lambs food When you’re in the outdoors: aid navigation. are present, keep your dog on a short lead. b. Taking care to avoid spreading animal ● take personal responsibility for your own Disturbance at this time can separate young faeces on footwear actions and act safely; Take great care when walking on country livestock from their mothers leaving them cold, c. Avoiding camping or having a picnic ● respect people’s privacy and peace of mind; roads. hungry and exposed to predators. on land which has recently been used ● help land managers and others to work safely for grazing animals ● and effectively; Pavements or paths should be used if Dogs should not be taken into fields of cattle d. Not drinking untreated water from ● care for your environment and take your litter provided when they have calves, as the cows see a dog rivers, streams and lochs ● home; If there is no pavement or path, walk as a threat and may attack it and you. Go into a e. Avoiding tick bites; cover legs when ● keep your dog under proper control; on the right-hand side of the road so that neighbouring field or onto adjacent land. There walking through long vegetation you can see oncoming traffic. You should is the possibility of encountering lambs and ● take extra care if you’re organising an event take extra care and be prepared to walk calves on routes 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. During Contact the Public Health Department for or running a business. in single file, especially on narrow roads more information 01896 82 5560 the bird breeding season (April – June) keep When you’re managing the outdoors: or in poor light, keep close to the side of your dog under close control or on a short lead ● respect access rights; the road. in ground nesting areas. Without a dog, if you ● act reasonably when asking people to avoid It may be safer to cross the road well Access in Scotland walk quietly through livestock areas, keeping The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the land management operations; before a sharp right-hand bend so that a safe distance from stock and watching them Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into effect ● work with your local authority and other bodies oncoming traffic has a better chance of carefully, you should experience little or no in February 2005. The Land Reform (Scotland) to help integrate access and land management; seeing you. Cross back after the bend difficulty. Act establishes a statutory right of responsible ● respect rights of way and customary access; ● Help other road users to see you. Wear access to land and inland waters for outdoor or carry something light coloured, recreation, crossing land, and some educational Find out more by visiting bright or fluorescent in poor daylight www.outdooraccess-scotland.com and commercial purposes. The Scottish Outdoor or conditions. Access Code gives detailed guidance on your telephoning your local Scottish Natural responsibilities when exercising access rights Heritage office. Livestock and if you are managing land and water. The The routes in this booklet pass through Act sets out where and when access rights livestock farming areas. Please remember that apply. The Code defines how access rights the farmer’s livelihood may depend on the should be exercised responsibly. rearing and sale of livestock, and always act responsibly. Dogs can be a particular concern for farmers during lambing time (March – May) and when cows are calving (Spring & Autumn). Descending Meigle Hill

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Route 1 From Heatheryett car park follow the road 4. Turn right and follow the road for 1.5km uphill past the cemetery until you reach the to reach Ladhope Woodland. Turn right Buckholm Circular field at the end of this track. Enter the field to join the forest track (the Dobie’s Grave and continue to the corner of the wall. path comes out in the field on your right Start and finish: Ladhope or here). Heatheryett car park Dobies Grave Path Distance: 9.5km/6 miles At this point the Dobie’s grave path goes 5. Go uphill on the forest track and at a Time: 3 hours 30 minutes straight on. According to local legend junction bear left. Continue to follow the Terrain: paths, forest and farm tracks, in 1790 Dobie accepted a wager to play track until you reach a wall and then turn and minor roads. Stiles, gates, bridges his bagpipes all the way from Lauder to right and continue around the top edge of on route, etc. Galashiels. However he collapsed and the forest. died at the spot where a pile of stones now 1. From Ladhope car park, head up the marks his grave. 6. The path forks after almost 1km, take the woodland path to meet the track by left path and continue round the edge of Walkers by Buckholm Tower Heatheryett car park. Ladhope woodland 2. To continue following the Buckholm the woodland, keeping the dyke on your and Glen lie on what was the western Circular route turn left with the wall on left, to reach the far corner. On reaching boundary of the former Ladhope estate. your left. Go through the gate and along the dyke at the perimeter of the golf On the death of Mr Hugh Roberts in 1944, the track. Enter and cross the field, not course continue to follow the wall around, the estate was bequeathed to going uphill or downhill and exit the field keeping it on your left, until a gate is the Burgh of Galashiels. by another gate. Continue on a track for reached. Go through the gate and follow about 500m. the Ladhope Burn down to the far corner of the field, here enter onto the golf course. 3. On reaching the buildings at Old Buckholm turn right past the arched entrance to the 7. Continue along the edge of the golf course old courtyard around the old tower which until you reach a set of steps. Go down was built in 1582 by John Hoppringil or the steps and alongside the burn until Pringle, regaining the track on the far side. you meet a track, turn right to cross over Head along the track through several gates the bridge and retrace your steps back to reach the road. through the woods to the car park.

Ladhope Woodland

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3. Continue straight on past the entrance Route 2 to the golf course car park and then Ladhope Recreation Ground immediately right across the fairway to reach a path climbing uphill. At an old Start and finish: Ladhope car park (or stone wall continue uphill but bearing left Heatheryett car park) to reach a grassy track which goes through Distance: 3.5km/2 miles a large area of gorse. Time: 1 hour Terrain: mainly grassy paths, also 4. After the gorse continue through the woodland and tarmac rough grass area. Before joining the Forest at Ladhope Moor, turn left to descend on 1. Leave the car park and go uphill. a grassy track through the gorse. At the Where the road swings right take bottom of the slope turn left following a a path on the left cutting grassy path. across the grass to reach the woodland path. 5. At the well turn right and cross the golf course with care to reach the far side, turn left between the course and the woodland until a set of steps are reached.

6. Go down the steps and alongside the burn until you meet a track, turn right over the Ash Tree at Ladhope bridge and retrace your steps back down through the wood to the car park.

Start

2. Head up the woodland path with the Ladhope Burn on your right to reach the track below Heatheryett car park, turn right onto this track and keep right after crossing the bridge. Stay on the track until it reaches the road then turn left and follow the road to the golf course clubhouse. Ladhope Golf Course was also part of the former Ladhope Estate Well at Ladhope Recreation Ground with 1936 bequeathed to the Burgh of Galashiels. inscription Galashiels from Ladhope Recreation Ground

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Route 3 Gala Hill and Langlee Woodland

Start and finish: Gala Policies car park by the swimming pool Distance: 11km/7 miles Time: 4 - 5 hours Terrain: woodland paths, farm fields, farm tracks and road. Steps and stiles on route.

1. Follow the Southern Upland Way through Walkers at Langlee Community Woodland Gala Policies woodland to a gate into an (photo by Bett Cameron) open area. Go through the gate and follow the signs left, to a gate. Go left through the Turn right and cross Melrose Road. gate and follow the path up to the road. Cross Melrose Road, turn right and after Go left along the road(Gala Hill is on your 250m turn left to join the path through right). Langlee woodland. Continue on the path eventually reaching the top of the 2. Cross the road and go onto Gala Hill. woodland strip. Follow the path along the edge of Gala Hill enjoying the mixed woodland cover and 5. At the old wall, turn left keeping the wall the views out over Galashiels. When you on your right, then through the trees to reach the end of this path turn left through reach a viewpoint. From here you can the gate into the field. Walk down the edge see across Galashiels and beyond to the of the field to the bottom keeping the fence Hills. The path goes downhill for on your left. You are now on the Southern a short distance to reach the top of a track. Upland Way. Go across the top of a track and through an old gateway on the right; to then follow golf. Walk down the steps to the woods by 8. At the top of the steps cross Windyknowe 3a Paths to Health Gala Hill Walk a path which runs alongside a fence. The Ladhope Burn. Cross the stone bridge and Road and go up Manse Lane to reach For this shorter walk turn left at this point path climbs uphill. Keep the field on then a few metres on, turn left to descend Victoria Park. Go across the park to exit and follow the Southern Upland Way back your right. At the top of the wood turn on the path through the woods. at the bottom right hand corner, by a lane, to Scott Park and Gala Policies. left following the woodland path until it through Meigle View and across Mossilee passes the transmitter tower. Continue 7. At the bottom of the woods you will come Road. Continue along Mossilee Crescent, 3. Turn right and follow the Southern Upland straight on and descend through the trees. out at a park area. Cross the A7 with care, then Forest Hill until you see a park on Way through Netherbarns, taking care The route drops steeply to the gate at and High Buckholmside road. Turn right your right. Continue down through the when crossing the A7, and down to the the roadside. Go straight across the road and continue for about 50m. Turn left down park and along a path to the right, then turn with views of Abbotsford and through another gate, signposted for a close (narrow passageway) and continue left bringing you out on Balmoral Road. House, built for and home of Sir Walter Langlee Community Woodland. At a path over a bridge and down steps. Turn right Turn right and continue down the road Scott. Continue to follow the Southern junction keep left. then bear left to be close to the Gala Water until you reach Gala Policies woodland. Upland Way to Galafoot Bridge and over and then behind some retail outlets to a car a bridge across the Gala Water. 6. Go through a small gate to enter Langlee park between them. Cross the bridge and 9. Cross the bridge to join the woodland Community Woodland. Go straight across turn right along King Street. Cross King paths. Keep left on the woodland paths 4. You eventually leave the Southern Upland onto the golf course descending to reach Street with care then turn left to go on ahead to return to the start of the walk. Way when you reach the line of the old the clubhouse. Cross the lower part of the to the woodland bank. Climb the Darghai railway. Continue along the roadside golf course at a line of oak trees, giving Lane steps. on Winston Road to reach Melrose Road. due consideration to people playing

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Route 4 Langlee Woodland Start and finish: Langlee Community Centre car park Distance: 5km/3 miles Time: 1hour 30 minutes 250 metres Terrain: Woodland paths and tracks

Langlee Woodland Langlee Woodland As well as routes 3,4 and 12 going through the woodlands there is a network of paths 1. At the far end of the car park join the in the woodland. The mixed broadleaf woodland path and turn left uphill to woodland on Langlee Hill probably eventually reach the top of the woodland dates back to the late 18th century/early strip. 19th century. The woodland provides a backdrop of significant landscape value to Links: 2. Follow the main path through the trees Woodland. There is a small network of you may enter or leave the woodlands the north side of Galashiels. It is situated and at a junction turn right. Keep with paths to explore with great views to be from the right of way that runs up Wylie’s on the upper slopes of the south side of the path as it bends round to the left. The had. Retrace your steps to the roadside Brae, crosses over Elwyn Crescent and Wester Hill, bounded on its south-east side path climbs to reach a good viewpoint gate. This will add 2 km/1.5 miles to continues up the road to Langlee Mains by Langlee Housing Estate and elsewhere from which you can see across Galashiels your route. Farm. Look out for the right turn into by open agricultural land with occasional and beyond to the Eildon hills. Langlee Woodland or you may turn left shelter belts. The ground is generally Langlee Community Woodland to take an oak lined track up to Langlee steep rising from 150m to 250m above sea 3. Go across the top of a track and through This wood is managed by Borders Forest Community Woodland. level. There are views over Galashiels, an old gateway on the right to then follow Trust and was planted by children, groups towards the Eildons and to Elwyn Glen. a path which runs alongside a fence. and individuals of the town in 1997 Oak, ash, beech and sycamore form the Keep with this fence as the path climbs canopy of the woodland , while the shrub uphill, keeping the field on your right. At 6. At the roadside gate turn left, in the layer has holly, elder, wild raspberry, the top of the wood turn left, following woodland, to follow a path back through rhododendron and laurel. To the north the woodland path until it passes the the lower edge of Langlee Woodland. east of the woodland lies an area of silver transmitter tower. Continue on this path as it becomes a birch, hawthorn and heather. Dead wood track past a water tank. The track comes is a natural habitat for insects, lichens, 4. Continue straight on and descend out by housing; keeping the housing on and fungi such as Dryads Saddle and through the trees. The route drops your right follow the track as it once again hole nesting birds. The woodland floor steeply to the gate at the roadside. climbs uphill into the woods. After the is carpeted with mosses, ferns, grasses last house, turn right off the track onto and wild flowers including red campion 5. For a longer route: (optional) a woodland path. Follow this path and and honeysuckle. Birds in the woodland Go straight across the road and through eventually retrace your steps back down include great spotted woodpecker and another gate, following the path upwards to the car park. treecreeper. Mammals such as bats, roe through gorse. At a path junction, deer and grey squirrel are commonly seen. keep left. Enter Langlee Community Looking north from Langlee Woodland

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Route 5 white. Watch one dive and count how many seconds it is under the water for. Tweedbank Nature Trail 2. After an open area with bench seats by Start and finish: Gunknowe Loch car the loch, turn right, past the play area and park, Tweedbank take the second left. By some pine trees Distance: 1.5km/1 mile look on the ground for a cone. If it has Time: 1 hour been neatly nibbled it has been eaten by Terrain: flat hard surfaced tarmac paths, a mouse or a squirrel but if it looks untidy also grass paths which can be muddy it has been eaten by a bird.

3. Turn right then left onto the grass area between trees and bushes. See if you can Leaf picture Gunknowe Loch find five different kinds of leaves. At this point you can play the helicopter game; the Borders Abbeys Way until you reach This Nature Trail was created by Tweedbank gather some seeds from a field maple tree, a tarmac path. Turn left through the trees. Primary School in 1995. It was revised in throw them up high and watch them spin At a junction of paths take the higher path October 2005 by Primary Three pupils in the wind. on the right which runs parallel to the from Tweedbank Primary School. The backs of the houses. children of Tweedbank welcome Note: Wheelchair users and others. For a you and your family to join their shorter route that keeps to hard surfaced 6. Continue towards the loch (the easy access trail and hope that you enjoy it paths, carry straight on here and follow the path rejoins the route here and from the as much as they do. You will tarmac path with the large grass area on your shortcut should turn left). In autumn see different wildlife depending right. You can join the trail again at the end when the leaves have fallen off the trees on the time of year. After the of the grass area. you can make a leaf picture. At the loch route description there are you will come to Hazelnut corner where some clues as to what you 4. You will come out to a large grass area. there are three trees together. Try to find might see on the trail. Please Go straight across to the other side of this some hazelnuts under the trees. Squirrels keep children under close area. Look back for a view of the Eildon and mice like to eat the nuts. You can now supervision, especially Hills. After the large open grass area head around the loch to the right and near water. you will come to an area of long grass return back to the start. Turning left here near the river. Here you may be able to would bring you back to the play park. 1. From the car park spot spiders, beetles, flies and butterflies head down to the on the grasses. You might be able to find loch. Turn right snails, ladybirds and earwigs too. See if and go around you can see five different creatures. As the side of the you go towards the river you will see an loch. As you alder tree. The tree can be recognised by walk around its male catkins and female cones hanging the loch, stop on the tree branches. and listen to the bird calls. 5. We join the Borders Abbeys Way and turn Coots call out left to follow the river upstream. This is ‘coot’. Mallard ducks make a quacking count how many mute swans you can see. the River Tweed. Look out for birds on the call. You can also listen for the call of You may also see young swans (cygnets). river. Heron, dipper and goosander are a black-headed gull. Keep left to head Another type of duck that may be present frequently seen here. Continue to follow around the loch. As you walk you can is the tufted duck which is black and Maple seeds

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Galashiels town In 1868 Galashiels was set up as a Parliamentary Burgh under the act of parliament of the same year; it remained as such until the new District Council of Ettrick and came into being in 1975. In 1903 the first motor car was registered in the town and from this time roads and streets were being improved. In 1972 the Town Council saved Bank Street from being lost when the Scottish Development Department proposed to run the A7 along this attractive shopping street. Bank Street’s shops and gardens remain intact today. Galashiels Abbotsford boasts excellent and varied shopping in the In 1812 Sir moved original town centre and in the modern retail his family onto the farm that he units where some of the mills once stood. Bank Street, Galashiels would later rename Abbotsford. With plans to create a grand estate he started to build a new house on the land in 1818; six years later the house was complete. The new grand mansion looks down on the River Tweed, on the outskirts of Galashiels, from its terraced lawns. In order to follow his dream and carry out his tree planting regimes Scott purchased more land until he owned 1000 acres. Only six months after his death the house was open to the public and has been enjoyed by visitors ever since. At the time of writing (2011) plans are being discussed to create a new visitor centre and educational facilities.

Abbotsford House

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Route 6 please take care. Follow the main driveway to the site of the New Gala House. Turn left Gala Policies after a short steep section, to descend gently through the woods and onto a bridge over a Start and finish: Gala Policies car park burn, to reach the ponds. Return to the by the swimming pool start by the Southern Upland Way or Distance: 1.6km/1 mile by the pond and main driveway Time: 1 hour Terrain: woodland paths and tracks Woodland Ecology “Policy” planting, was a more Gala Policies formal Gala Policies type of In 1974 the former County 3. After a short distance join a path which planting Council purchased these policies. This emerges out onto a large open area, follow dating back woodland once formed part of a larger the path as it snakes up to a fine view to the 19th estate owned by Hugh Scott, Laird of point at the top of the grassy mound. Century. The Galashiels. Policies are defined as “the wood is represented enclosed grounds of a large house, the 4. From the view point head downhill, by a mixture of park of an estate”. Although the original keeping the dyke on your right hand side. broadleaves such as parkland was more extensive the legacy Turn left when you meet the Southern oak, beech, norway still remains intact. The policies are home Upland Way. maple, sycamore and lime to both native and foreign tree species, for together with conifers such example, giant redwoods (Wellingtonia) 5. Follow the Southern Upland Way until you as scots pine, larch, cypress, that grace one of the entrances to the park. reach a path going down to a boardwalk noble fir and douglas fir. The There are short paths within the policies at the pond. Explore around the ponds if mature oaks in the park are that pass the pond area, a modern piece of you wish and then carry on following the believed to be remnants of the landscaping from the early 1990s. Southern Upland Way back to the start of ancient Ettrick Forest, and many the route. of them are thought to be well 1. Go through the gate and up the track, over 200 years old. There is also For Easy Access Circuit (1km) which served as the old driveway, to the an unusual weeping ash, a symbol A circuit using wide, level to gently sloping site of New Gala House, demolished in of which has been adopted as the paths is possible. In some weather conditions 1985. This house and these grounds were park’s logo. some of the paths may be softer than usual so woodland have been undisturbed for a laid out in the 1870s, for the Scott’s of Mature trees are an ideal habitat for birds long time. Other plants include lesser Galashiels. such as treecreeper, nuthatch and great celandine, common violet, primrose, spotted woodpeckers. In conifers, birds purple meadow cranesbill and broom. 2. After a short distance the main track swings such as siskins, coal tits and goldcrests can left around the back of the ponds (which Although the woodland would once have be found. Throughout the area blue tits, can be visited later on this route). Here you been home to the native red squirrel, the great tits, blackbird, chaffinch, robin, wren must leave the main track and turn right introduced grey squirrel is now found. At and song thrush are found. Deadwood on and then right again to cross a bridge over dusk you may see pipistrelle bats flying the forest floor attracts invertebrates. the burn. Follow the path through the trees around. Occasionally roe deer may stray until another bridge is reached, going into In areas you can find wood sorrel, ramson this close to the town. This illustrates how the housing estate. Turn left here to stay in (or wild garlic), dog’s mercury and wood the woodland acts as a corridor that brings the woods and follow their top boundary, anemone. This indicates that parts of the wildlife right into the heart of Galashiels. keep the wall on the right as a guide. Woodland in Gala Policies

20 21 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 7 2. Follow the path through a hummocky field to the next stile. You will continue Hollybush Circular to follow the waymarkers for the Southern Upland Way until you reach the road. Start and finish: Gala Policies, When reaching the road you will leave Livingstone Place, Galashiels the Southern Upland Way. Distance: 11km/7 miles Time: 4 - 6 hours 3. When you reach the road turn left. Take Terrain: field margins, paths, tarmac the next left turn just before the Yair Bridge. paths, minor roads. Stiles and steps on Follow this road for less than 500m then this route. turn right down a track that leads along the river. Head along the riverside for 2.75 Walkers at the Rink farm by Tweed 1. Follow the Southern Upland Way through km. This is a beautiful section of the River Gala Policies woodland for approximately Tweed flanked by mixed woodland on the down towards the river again. Continue 500m. When you reach an open field River Tweed near southern side and birch woodland on the along the minor road onto which the path turn left and follow the dyke round northern side. There are also a number of leads. Look out for a Southern Upland to a stile. Go over this stile and turn old gnarled alders between the track and Way waymarker approximately 1.5km right. You are continuing to follow the the river. The last section, where the track along this road and turn left up the bank, Southern Upland Way uphill to the edge becomes a grassy bank before the bridge, you have rejoined the Southern Upland of a woodland. Climb over the stile and is part of ‘The Rink’ farm, named after the Way at this point, and then turn right enter the woodland. Follow the track fort that sits on the hill above the present at the top. Follow this road to the A7 through the woodland. Take time to stop farmstead. The fort is actually a defended and cross the A7 with care to ascend the at the bench on the crest of the hill, farmstead which dates back to the period wooden steps at the other side of the road. enjoying the view to the Eildon Hills. between 2500-2000 years ago (Iron Age). Turn right at the top of these steps and Continue along this path until follow the path until you meet the road. you reach the stile at the edge 4. When you reach the stone bridge (Old Cross the road and take the track after the of the woodland. Keep ), cross over the stile and entrance to Brunswickhill House. following the signs for climb the wooden steps to the left of the the Southern Upland bridge. At the top of the steps go straight 5. Go through the hunt gate at the top of the Way. ahead and down the cycle track towards track and follow this track, keeping the Galashiels. Continue along the cycle track dyke on your right side. as it runs parallel with the road and drops 6. At the end of this field on the other side of the gate, there is a monument to a local poet, Roger Quin, with a bench where you can enjoy the views over the town and beyond. (An alternative route from this 1/2 mile point can be made by taking a left turn 1 kilometre from this junction and returning to Gala Policies via Gala Hill, as shown on the map). From this viewpoint take the right hand fork of the path. At the bottom of the hill go through the gate and continue straight ahead. Follow this road until you reach a T-junction. Turn right down Elm Row and follow the Southern Upland Way Hollybush Farm near Galashiels signs until you return to Gala Policies.

22 23 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 8 follow the next set of instructions without venturing to the summit cairns. Peel and Yair 5. From this point turn right along the dyke Start and finish: Glenkinnon Community and head along the brow of the hill and Woodland car park then downhill, keeping the dyke on your Distance: 11km/7 miles right side. Continue to follow the dyke Time: 4 - 5 hours round from the corner and exit this field Terrain: field and woodland paths, tracks, at the gate half way along the dyke. road. Some steep hills. 6. Turn left and go through the next two 1. From the car park turn right, back towards fields then along a gorse path that goes the bridge and follow the track before Yair Bridge gently downhill. Follow this path as it the bridge onto the Peel Path, part of the winds down along the Blakehope Burn. Yair cycle route. Part of the way along The path bends round to the right at the the path you will bottom of the hill to join the Green road. gain a view of

B 710 Caddonfoot 7. Approximately 300m along this track take C h u r c h a left turn and follow the path through the nestled into gorse down to Caddonfoot. the hillside Walkers on Hog Hill b e l o w 8. Cross to the other side of the junction and Meigle Farm. follow this road over the bridge for almost left turn down to Peel over the Caddonfoot 1km, there is a footpath on the left hand Bridge and return to the car park where C h u rc h w a s side for part of the way. Then take the you started. built in 1861 “...in fulfilment of...Alexander Pringle of Whytbank”.

2. Continue to follow the track where it turns into a tarmac road and goes under a metal bridge. Bear left beyond this bridge and continue to Yair farmstead where you bear left again.

3. When you reach a Southern Upland Way sign follow this route down to Yair Bridge and cross the bridge heading towards Fairnilee Farm. Follow the signs for the Southern Upland Way for 1.5km uphill.

4. When you reach a finger post citing Gala Circuit, turn left, leaving the Southern Upland Way, and follow the waymarkers uphill through two fields. Take time to enjoy the panoramic view from Neidpath Hill. If visibility is poor you should Blakehope path near Caddonfoot

24 25 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 9 4. Turn left and follow this track back down to the car park. The forest is owned by the Glenkinnon Community Forestry Commission for Scotland and Woodland managed by Border Forest Trust.

Start and finish: Yair Camp Site car park Shorter route: You may turn left before Caddonfoot, near Clovenfords. reaching the higher track to take a shorter Distance: 2km/1 mile circular route back through a pleasant Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour woodland glade surrounded by birch trees. Terrain: woodland paths and tracks Glenkinnon Community Woodland Glenkinnon Burn is a woodland site in the Tweed Valley.owned by Forestry Glenkinnon Community Woodland sign Commission Scotland. It forms part of 1. From the car park walk straight ahead a 25 year agreement between Forestry towards the woodland. The large Commission Scotland and Borders Wildlife enthusiasts on an evening walk oak tree that keeps sentinel A 707 Forest Trust to encourage community on the bank above the car involvement in the restoration and park is listed among the conservation of semi-natural woodlands. Biodiversity trail fine examples of heritage The woodland is managed through a joint The Forestry Education Initiative trees in the Scottish Borders. management board which meets regularly. supported the installation of a Biodiversity Go round the side of the Trail at Glenkinnon. Walkers and school gate at the end of the car The woodland was a conifer plantation. groups are encouraged to read the park and through the flat After clearfelling the lower area was information boards on site and explore the grass camp site area with planted with mixed native hardwoods, themes of the woodland. Seed dispersal, the Glenkinnon Burn on including oak. Further up the SSSI 250 metres woodland layers, a tree race, colourful your right. The ancient valley are more conifers. The felling of picnic tables with woodland animal woodland along the burn further conifer blocks has been delayed artwork, and trap doors into the woodland makes this a Site of Special temporarily due to concerns regarding floor are some of the points on the route. Scientific Interest (SSSI). the effect of inceased light and changes Take the path straight ahead to the micro climate that could affect the of you where the Glenkinnon regionally important lichens, mosses and Community Woodland sign liverworts found in this special valley. stands.

2. Follow the path up the bank through the cleared woodland. From the top of this banking you can see across to Peel House. In spring time this is a good observation point for viewing displaying goshawks.

3. Follow the waymarkers round to the right for 200m until you meet a forestry track. Turn left onto this track and follow it for 350m. Biodiversity Trail, Glenkinnon Watching a Poplar Hawkmoth Biodiversity information at the Glenkinnon trail

26 27 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 10 3. Turn left, with the hunt gate behind you, and cross the field going uphill towards the Meigle Circular field gate ahead of you. Go through, turn right and climb Meigle Hill along the track Start and finish: The Green Path, Meigle that was built for access to the masts. Just Farm, Clovenfords inside the woodland stands an impressive Distance: 10km/6 miles cairn near to Wallace’s Putting Stone, a Time: 4 - 5 hours glacial erratic. Terrain: paths, field margins and tracks. Stepping stones. 4. From here follow the dyke downhill for 1.3km passing a pumping station. Keep 1. The start of the Green Road can be following the dyke until a track goes off found just as you turn left onto the B710 to the left. to Caddonfoot. A short path called the Looking south from the Green Path green path leads to the historic Green 5. Follow this track for just over 1km round Road. Follow the Green Road for 1.5km to the quarry. Follow the waymarkers until you turn left up the Blakehope that take you along the back of the quarry. Burn. The burn bank is lined with When you reach the first field turn right alder trees; this is the only and go through the gate at the bottom. British hardwood that Then turn left, go through the gate straight produces cones. ahead of you and cross the stepping stones Autumn on the Green Road in front of you. Continue along this field exiting the gate straight ahead of you. From Galashiels, Follow the track through the middle of the take the steps at Darghai Lane from King next field and exit this field through the Street by walking through the old mill gate in the middle of the dyke. buildings here. Turn right at the top where you meet Manse Street near Victoria Park. 6. From here follow the track through Meigle Follow the road up to the filter station until Pots. This area is alleged to have housed it joins the track at the base of Meigle Hill. secret outdoor services of the Covenanters From here on follow the instructions as for in the 1640s. When you reach the concrete above. The third link into Galashiels is track that leads down to Meigle Farm, turn along the quarry road that leaves the A72 left to head uphill.Turn right to follow the signposted for Balnakiel. field edges. Continue through gates beside fields. In this last field veer left downhill to meet the Green Road again. Go through the field gate and turn right round on yourself to go back through the hunt gate exiting 2. As you leave the course of the burn follow along the Green Road back to Clovenfords. the waymarkers up through the path that is cut in the gorse. The flat area ahead is Links very marshy so try to avoid this. When From Caddonfoot, you reach the gate at the bottom of the where the B710 meets the A707 take the gate bank, enter this field and follow the dyke that leads up the gorse bank and follow the up to the next gateway. Go through this path that winds its way up to the Green Road. gate and follow the dyke until you reach a hunt gate. Upper slopes of Meigle Hill

28 29 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 11 2. At a fingerpost you be will guided right, along a track towards Torwoodlee Mains. Torwoodlee Circular Go through three gates on this track before reaching a Y-junction. Take the right hand Start and finish: Clovenfords fork here. This track winds its way up Distance: 7km/41/ miles 2 through a young scot’s pine woodland. Time: 3 - 4 hours You will get pleasant views down to the Terrain: farm and woodland tracks, minor Gala Water as you ascend. Follow the roads track for 1.5km until you reach a junction that looks over Torwoodlee Golf Course on your left. Take the track to your right, with the golf course behind you, towards 1. Start in Clovenfords taking care to park the farm buildings. considerately. Head to the start by following the B710 to Hillend at the north 3. This track is set between fields looking Torwoodlee Tower edge of Clovenfords. Follow this road over to Torwoodlee Mains on your left. up the hill for approximately 2.75km. When you reach the farm buildings follow Look out for Whytbank Tower to your the signs through the farm steading that left almost hidden in the woodlands. lead you on to a well maintained track. This tower was built in the Sir Walter Scott Memorial 16th century by James 4. You will have to go through several gates Pringle, ancestors of the on this stretch so please leave them as Links: You can follow the old railway line Pringle family who today you find them. Torwoodlee is a working then follow the pavement up to the bottom own Torwoodlee and farm so please be considerate when there of Torwoodlee House’s drive. You can follow Buckholm Estates. are farm operations occurring at the time the drive until the waymarkers take you left There are pleasant of your visit. Sections of this track may up to Torwoodlee Tower or further on to views of the hills be muddy as the cattle and sheep have meet Torwoodlee Circular. You will join the around Galashiels feeding stations along this section. This Torwoodlee Circular at the gate that leads to the north and track will lead you straight back to your into the golf course. e a s t a s y o u starting point at Hillend. ascend.

Old driveway to Torwoodlee Tower

30 31 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Route 12 Turn right and follow the path along the along the River Tweed and then with woodland edge for another 1.3km. care cross the A7 continuing through Gala Circuit Netherbarns and returning to Gala 6. Leave the woodland through a gate on Policies. Start and finish: Gala Policies your left almost in the corner of the wood. Distance: 25km/16 miles Turn right when you go through this 8. An alternative route from this point Time: 8 - 10 hours gate joining a track heading south that follows the path along Gala Hill. If you Terrain: Paths, tracks, minor roads (some meets the path to Langlee Community wish to take this route turn left once areas may be muddy at times) Woodland. At this point you are joining you go through the gate, where stands Route 3. Follow the waymarkers through a memorial stone to Roger Quin. Follow 1. From the starting point follow the Langlee Community Woodland and the route up to and through Gala Hill as Southern Upland Way through the Langlee Woodland. shown on the map. The path at the other policy woodlands, heading south west. side of Gala Hill comes out to connect Continue to follow the Southern Upland Looking west towards the Moorfoot Hills from 7. Continue to follow the path past Langlee with Gala Policies or drops back into the Way for 3km until you reach the gate Buckholm Community Centre staying on the town centre. below Hogg Hill, a fingerpost will cite the woodland path to Melrose Road. Cross different routes at this point. Here you downhill to the corner of the field. Go the road with care turning right then will leave the Southern Upland Way, turn through the field gate and turn right to left into Winston Road. Follow the right, but do not go through the gate, and go back through the hunt gate to return Southern Upland Way head along the field between the fence and to Clovenfords on the woodlands path. the woodland. Go through the next gate and head straight up the next field along 3. When you reach Clovenfords turn right the side of the dyke, keeping the dyke on onto the A72. At the roundabout head your left. When you go through the gate straight up the B710. At Hillend turn right at the top of the hill you can walk up to onto the Torwoodlee Circular path and the cairns and take in the most spectacular follow the track through to the farm yard views. However, if visibility is poor you and beyond until you reach Torwoodlee should turn right immediately. Golf Course.

2. Follow the dyke along the brow of the 4. Go through the hunt gate into the golf hill and then downhill. When you reach course giving due consideration to the the corner of the field continue following golfers and keeping well into the left the dyke, keeping it on your right hand around the perimeter. When you reach side. Go through the hunt gate halfway the bridge, over the former railway line, along this dyke. Cut straight across the turn left and follow the road leading out field with the hunt gate behind you and of the golf course turning left onto the A7. go uphill towards the field gate ahead Follow the A7 along the footpath for less of you. When you go through the field than 500m. Then with care cross the A7 gate, head up to join the track just above to turn right into Buckholm. you. Turn left when you reach the track and follow it downhill for 1km until you 5. Continue, eventually joining the go over a cattle grid then following the Buckholm Circular at Buckholm cottages. waymarking, you go through a gate then Continue on the minor road for 1.5km along a field margin. Go through the gate until you reach the right turn into Ladhope at the other end of the field. Go through Woodland. Follow the way marked track the next field and exit the gate straight through the woodland for 1.5km until ahead of you; in this last field veer left you reach the edge of the woodland.

32 33 Paths Around Galashiels Paths Around Galashiels

Further route suggestions Information on these and other routes is available Alternative format/language from Visit Scotland and at Tourist Information You can get this document on tape, in Access & Countryside Team Centres in the Scottish Borders. The Scottish large print, and various other formats by Scottish Borders Council Borders Council website includes booklets and contacting us at the address opposite. In Planning Department information free to download. This includes the addition, contact the address opposite Council Headquarters town trail, Borders Abbeys Way, St Cuthberts Way for information on language translations, Newtown ,Southern Upland Way short walks, Paths around additional copies, or to arrange for an MELROSE towns and cycling trails. www.scotborders.gov.uk. officer to meet with you to explain any TD6 0SA Galashiels Town Trail areas of the publication that you would like Tel: 01835 825060 Set up with the Old Gala Club, Scottish Borders clarified. Email: [email protected] Council and the Tourist Board at the time. The route of the Galashiels town trail is outlined on the back of this booklet. Contact Information

Abbotsford House Scottish Borders Council The Southern Upland Way www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk Town Trail, cycling routes, Tweedbank Park, is Britains first official coast to coast long distance Langlee Woodland, Gala Policies, path. It runs 340km (212miles) across southern Meg and Willie Sculpture, Thornielee Forest Old Gala Club www.oldgalaclub.org.uk and Old Gala House Museum. scotland from Portpatrick on the south-western www.scotborders.gov.uk coast to on the east coast. The Borders Forest Trust – Glenkinnon and Scottish Borders Countryside website: booklet “ Short Walks on the Southern Upland Buccleuch Country Ride Langlee Community woodlands www.scotborders.gov.uk/walking A set of maps outlining these horseriding routes Way” describes a range of routes including The www.bordersforesttrust.org Access & Countryside Team & Walk It Three Brethren and Lauder Common. may be purchased from Visit Scotland or one of VisitScotland Borders Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, the Tourist Information Centres in the Borders. Shepherd’s Mill, Whinfield Road, Melrose, TD6 0SA A The Borders Abbeys Way Tel: 01835 825060 w Local Cycling Trails Selkirk, TD7 5DT. The Borders Abbeys Way reaches Galashiels near Accommodation Bookings: 0845 22 55 121 email: [email protected] Abbotsford House. It provides an opportunity These leaflets describe colour coded signed routes. email: [email protected] Routes in the Galashiels area are included in the Tel: 01835 863170 to explore the Scottish Borders. Abbeys, towns, email: [email protected] email: [email protected] villages, rivers, countryside,wildlife and many Selkirk and Melrose Cycling Trail leaflets. www.visitscottishborders.com Other websites other points of interest are all part of this 109km www.scotborders.gov.uk/bordersabbeysway (68mile) trail linking , , Selkirk, Acknowledgements Scottish Borders For further information on walking in Melrose, St Boswells, Kelso and Jedburgh. Regular The routes in this booklet were developed Tourist Information Centres Scotland, visit: www.walkingwild.com public transport is available to and from Selkirk, by the local Galashiels community and in co- Jedburgh, , Melrose, Kelso, The Southern Upland Way website is Melrose and St Boswells, allowing for linear walks operation with the owners and farmers whose , Hawick and Selkirk. land they cross. Their co-operation is gratefully Opening dates and times vary www.southernuplandway.gov.uk back to Galashiels. A full booklet is available. Scottish Borders Walking Festival acknowledged. Funding for the routes came from For Information: Tel: 01835 863170 www.borderswalking.com St Cuthberts Way the European Union whose assistance is also Scottish Natural Heritage A 100km(62.5 mile) route from Melrose to the acknowledged. (Information on Scottish Outdoor Access Code Mountain Rescue Team - Scottish Borders Coast and Lindisfarne. & Borders Area Office It is considered best practice to alert the MRT to Every effort has been made to ensure that the Tel: 01896 756652 all incidents where a casualty is located on a hill, Paths around Towns booklets information and advice contained in this booklet www.outdooraccess-scotland.com moor, upland or other countryside, or missing on Booklets are available that include paths around is correct at the date of publication. However, it Forestry Commission Trails such ground even if the Ambulance Service has many local towns. The Melrose and Selkirk is always for you to assess whether completing www.forestry.gov.uk been requested. booklets include many routes within a short a route is within your capability, using your To call the MRT to such incidents the following Traveline (for public transport information) distance of Galashiels. Paths include the Eildon common sense and your knowledge of your procedure should be followed: Tel: 0871 200 2233 www.traveline.org.uk Hills, Abbotsford and Cauldshiels Loch. Tweed own state of health and fitness, competence and 1. Dial 999 and Ettrick river paths, Bowhill and Philiphaugh. experience. No liability is accepted by the authors 2. Ask for Police or publishers for any loss, injury or damage, 3. Tell the Police that you require Mountain Rescue Forestry Paths arising out of, or in any way connected with, any Tell the Police why and where you require the The Forestry Commission has waymarked trails at person or persons undertaking or attempting MRT. Thornielee Forest, reached by taking the A72 West to undertake any of the routes described in this of Clovenfords. Also at Lindinny Wood at Yair. booklet, howsoever caused.

34 35 A short and easy walk you may like to try is the Galashiels Town Trail. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete and is an excellent way to discover the town of Galashiels. It provides an added dimension of local history and flavour of the towns development through time. The full Town Trail guide is available from Visit Scotland or online at www.scotborders.gov.uk/walking

COUNCIL

All text, photographs and maps in this publication are copyright. Photographs by Susan Kevan, Matthew Moseley, Erica Niven, Mike Baker, Keith Robeson and Bett Cameron. Maps designed and drawn by David Langworth. Adapted maps are reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO ©Crown copyright and database right 2011. All rights reserved. Scottish Borders Council Ordnance Survey Licence LA100023423 Designed by Scottish Borders Council Graphic Design Section. Printed 2006, Reprinted in the Scottish Borders 2011