Darnick, Rhymer's Glen and Cauldshbiels Loch

Abbotsford is famous as the home of Sir Walter Scott, but less well known is that the
estate is one of the most significant designed landscapes in Scotland. It was designed and
laid out by Scott between 1811 and 1825.
 Some of the routes follow the original paths laid out by Scott himself along the riverside and
through mixed woodlands which he planted.

Today's walk is along paths, tracks and minor roads, and some stretches can be muddy after rain,
moderate gradients in places.

The walk starts at the Abbotsford Visitor Centre along part of the Borders Abbeys Way (BAW) and along a minor road to Darnick where the local community looks after their woodland which contains several marked trails. After passing close to Borders General Hospital, the route leads to Rhymer's Glen, once one of the most popular walks from Melrose and a favourite of Sir Walter Scott. After the glen, the walk goes over Bowdenmoor and down to the lovely Cauldshiels Loch (see photo). Leaving the loch, the route rejoins the BAW back to the visitor centre.