Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys - that's the place for walking

The Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys have some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland and are ideal walking country.  The area has a variety of landscapes: delightful river valleys, glistening lochs, extensive woodland and forests, majestic hills and wild moorland. The booklet  'Walks in the Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys', presents 19 circular routes from easy strolls to strenuous climbs - many walks passing through sites of historical interest and most offering spectacular views.  The booklet is available from a number of outlets in the valleys and Selkirk, price £1.50. 

The walks are also listed below for you to download.  Click on either the photograph or title of the walk and this will take you through to the detailed route description and map.

1 - Ettrickbridge Village Walk

A pleasant short circular walk around this pretty village.  1 mile (1.6km) in length with 165 feet (50m) of climb.  GRADE : EASY

2 - Ettrickbridge Circular via Kirkhope Tower

Passing the tower that was the stronghold of 'Auld Wat' of Harden.  3 miles (4.8km) in length with 425 feet (130m) of climb.  GRADE : EASY/MOD.  Please see Walk 1 for map.

3 - Ettrickbridge Circular via Howford Hill and Helmburn Hill

A lovely circular walk with great views and changing landscapes.  4 miles (6.5km) in length with 425 feet (130m) of climb.  GRADE: EASY/MOD.  Please see Walk 1 the map.

4 - Yarrowford Circular via the Three Brethren

A steady climb via Broadmeadows to the Three Brethren giving excellent views on a clear day.  5 miles (8km) in length with 1150 feet (350m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE

5 - Yarrowford Circular via Minch Moor and theThree Brethren

An exhilarating walk following old drove roads, with superb views.  10 miles (16km) in length with 1475 feet (450m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE/STRENUOUS.  See Walk 4 for map.

6 - Dryhope Circular via Blackhouse Tower & Craig Douglas

A relatively easy walk with good paths, passing both Dryhope and Blackhouse Towers.  6 miles (9.6km) in length with 330 feet (100m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE

7 - The Lochs Walk, Bowhill Estate

A leisurely walk, on the level, around two pretty lochs on the Bowhill Estate.  2 miles (3.2km) in length with 80 feet (25m) of climb.  GRADE: EASY

8 - The Lady's Walk, Bowhill Estate

A pleasant stroll by Yarrow Water to Newark Tower, before returning to Bowhill.  2 miles (3.2km) in length with 80 feet (25m) of climb.  GRADE: EASY.  Please see Walk 7 for map.

9 - The Duchess's Drive, Bowhill Estate

Through forest onto moorland with excellent views when clear.  7 miles (11.3km) in length with 985 feet (300m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE/STRENUOUS.  See at Walk 7 for map.

10 - Ettrick Head Horseshoe

Splendid high level walking but not recommended in poor conditions.  10 miles (16km) in length with 2015 feet (620m) of climb.  GRADE: STRENUOUS

11 - White Shank, Capel Fell & Ettrick Head Shorter Circular

A shorter walk to Ettrick Head, but still quite demanding.  6.5 miles (10.5km) in length with 1445 feet (440m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE/STRENUOUS.  See Walk 10 for map.

12 - Ettrickhead, Windfell, Hopetoun Craig & Ettrick Pen Circular

Ettrick Head and Pen, with great all round views.  6.5 miles (10.5km) in length with 1310feet (400m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE/STRENUOUS.  See Walk 10 for map.

13 - Tibbie Shiels Circular via Pikestone Rig & Loch of the Lowes

A good walk with beautiful views, returning along the banks of the Loch of the Lowes.  5 miles (8km) in length with 820 feet (250m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE

14 - Yarrow - Ettrick Circular via The Captain's Road & Riskenhope

Taking in both valleys, a route used by James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott.  13 miles (21km) in length with 1540 feet (470m) of climb.  GRADE: STRENUOUS.  See Walk 13 for map.

15 - Ettrick Circular via Southern Upland Way & Captain's Road

A good walk with views of both valleys.  10 miles (16km) in length with 1115 feet (340m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE/STRENUOUS.  Please see Walk 13 for map.

16 - Tima Circular via Gamescleuch Tower & Burn

A lovely walk passing close to Gamescleuch Tower and includes the pretty Gamescleuch Linn.   4 miles (6.5km) in length with 425 feet (130m) of climb. GRADE: EASY/MODERATE

17 - Ettrick Marshes & High Conifer Forest Route

Quite a challenging walk combining the Ettrick Marshes and forest route.  5 miles (8km) in length with 395 feet (120m) of climb.  GRADE: MODERATE.  Please see Walk 16 for map.

18 - Ettrick Marshes Hut Circle

A short walk, mainly on boardwalks above the marshes, passing the site of hut circles.  1 mile (1.6km) in length with 50 feet (15m) of climb.  GRADE: EASY.  See Walk 16 for map.

19 - Tima Loop

A very pleasant short walk, ideal for small children.  Look out for red squirrels!  0.5 miles (0.8km) in length with 50 feet (15m) climb.  GRADE: EASY.  Please see Walk 16 for map.

click here for a map of activities in the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys

Above: Click on a date if it has a green background to view events.