Based in the Scottish Borders, Eildon Ramblers is a friendlywalking group for people of all ages. We offer year-round walks to suit avariety of tastes.
This is a nine mile walk along paths, tracks and some minor roads. It involves a fair amount of hill-walking: there is a 3.5 mile uphill section; a 3.1 mile downhill section, and a 2.4 mile flat section.
From Tweedbank Station, we take the Southern Upland Way towards Melrose, joining the River Tweed at Lowood Bridge. We leave the Tweed at Melrose, cut across the town to Melrose Station and follow the former Railway line path to the Borders General Hospital (the least interesting, but short, part of the walk). We use the subway to cross the bypass, then take a quiet minor road to reach the track for Rhymer’s Glen. There is then a steady climb to Bowdenmoor. From there we head to Cauldshiels Loch, following a woodland path along the loch side to reach the Borders Abbeys Way. We turn off for Faldonside Loch, then cut across paths to reach Abbotsford, where we join the River Tweed. We follow the Tweed back to Lowood Bridge and then head back to Tweedbank Station.
If you have some experience of walking in the countryside and a reasonable level of fitness, this walk should be suitable for you. The walk includes unsurfaced rural paths. It is recommended that you wear walking boots and bring waterproof clothing appropriate for the season. Walking poles may be useful for some of the hills. There is a short stretch on a quiet rural road and a couple of busier roads to cross (there are traffic lights at the crossing points); for these parts it is important that we stay alert and follow the instructions of the walk leader and backmarker (who will be wearing high visibility jackets/reflectors for these parts of the walk).
For those who wish to go to a coffee shop afterwards, Melrose is a little over 1 mile from the station car park.
Circular walk, grade B, leisurely / moderate. Hiking boots and poles are recommended.
Walk leader: Gerry
Estimated duration: 4.5 - 5 hours inc 2 breaks
Maximum number of walkers: 15 + leader & backmarker
Eildon Ramblers members. Please contact the walk leader per the directions in the Secretary’s email.
Members of other Ramblers groups & potential new members are welcome to apply to join this walk. Please contact walks@eildonramblers.org.uk leaving your name and mobile phone no. The walk leader will contact you.
Registration deadline. You should register with the Walk Leader (a) no later than 5pm on the Thursday prior to a Saturday walk, or (b) no later than 5pm on the Friday prior to a Sunday walk.
Covid-19. Please read the Covid-19 advice on our website, and observe the recommended precautions.
Tweedbank Railway Station Car Park (parking there is free and should be plentiful). Please meet at seating area near bus shelter – close to the station entrance.
