We are the Biggar Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
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 passes Faldonside Loch which is categorised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it is an important wildowl roost. The path now crosses a field to join the riverside track back to the Visitor Centre.
The walk starts from the Visitor Center carpark where a £2 charge applies.
The first and last part of the walk are on metalled lanes or well maintained paths. The central section is on narrower paths and may be muddy.
The section round Cauldshiels Loch is a bit uneven and poles may be needed here.
There are toilets and cafe in the visitor centre
Biggar Corn Exchange
Abbotsford House Visitor Centre Car Park
