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.
A pleasant short circular walk around this pretty village. 1 mile (1.6km) in length with 165 feet (50m) of climb. GRADE : EASY
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Splendid high level walking but not recommended in poor conditions. 10 miles (16km) in length with 2015 feet (620m) of climb. GRADE: STRENUOUS
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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Above: Click on a date if it has a green background to view events.