History and Heritage Map

The map below shows the historical and heritage sites in the valleys. Place the little hand over the marker and this will show the name. Click on the marker and this will display a short description of the site and provide any contact details (where appropriate).

St Marys Kirkyard : One of the most atmospheric settings in the valleys, this site of ancient worship from as early as 1275 offers great views over St Mary's Loch.

Bowhill House : A magnificent country home of the Duke of Buccleuch, housing part of the Buccleuch art collection including paintings by Canaletto, Reynolds and Gainsborough. Tel: 01750 22204

Cramault Tower, Megget Reservoir : The site of the original tower was flooded when the reservoir was created, so this is a reconstruction. The scenery of this very peaceful part of the valleys is stunning.

Blackhouse Tower : These remains can be reached by walking from the A708 along the Southern Upland Way. James Hogg worked at Blackhouse for a time.

Dryhope Tower : Just a short walk from the main road is this four square ruined tower, a typical Border pele tower.

Newark Tower : Situated in Bowhill Country Estate and dating back to the 15th century, this site is linked to the Battle of Philiphaugh when 100 royalist followers of the Marquis of Montrose were shot in its barmkin.

Aikwood Tower : The tower has a legendary connection to the Borders Wizzard, Michael Scott, and was connected to the Scotts of Harden from 1517. It has been restored and now offers luxury accommodation.

Kirkhope Tower : This former 16th century stronghold of Auld Wat of Harden is now restored and lived in as a private residence.

Tushielaw Tower : Half-hidden by a few trees, this was the former stronghold of Adam Scott who caused mayhem in the district and reportedly strung his adversaries up from the trees surrounding the tower.

Thirlestane Tower: Built in the 16th century by Sir John Scott, this became the seat of the Napier family. The tower was abandonned when the Napiers built Thirslestane Castle (since destroyed) nearby.

Gamescleuch Tower : Although on private land, the remains can be seen from a walk in the Ettrick Marshes. Built for Simon Scott, but he never lived here - poisoned by his stepmother the night before his wedding.

The Glebe Stone, Warriors Rest and Yarrow Stone, dating back to the 5th or 6th century are all in this area.

The James Hogg Exhibition : Hogg, the famous Scottish poet and novelist, was born here in Ettrick. This fascinating little museum is open June to September on Wed, Fri and Sun from 2 - 5pm.

Hut Circles, Ettrick Marshes : Although there is little to see on the surface, these hut circles go back to very early inhabitation of the valleys during the Bronze Age

Coburn's Grave and the Dow Linn : Legend has it that Cockburn, the renowned border reiver, was hung at his own gate here and his wife ran to the nearby Dow Linn Waterfall to drown the sound of him dying.

Philiphaugh Battle Site : Walk around the site where the Covenantors fought the Royalist troops of the Marquis of Montrose in 1645. Interpretation boards re-tell the course of the battle.

The kirk hosts an exhibition on the history of Ettrick Life. In the graveyard, look for the graves of James Hogg and Tibbie Shiels.

Yarrow Kirk

Statue to James Hogg, celebrated Scottish poet and novelist, overlooking St mary's Loch

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download ettrick and yarrow visitor guide