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.
Shirley R.
Head out of town, just before the entrance to the Hirsel Estate we enter the Lees Estate through a pillared entrance way and gate lodge. Heading up the drive to proceed through trees to the River Tweed, passing an old ice house. Proceed along the riverside to pass a magnificent stone temple, enjoying views of the Cheviot Hills.
The Lees Temple was built in the late 18th century as part of the Romantic landscape scheme of the Lees Estate.
Continuing downstream passing behind the Lees fishing bothy and drop down to a path leading to the Lees Haugh - a lovely open area where we would do a circular of the Lees and Tweed.
The water dykes were built in 1820 by Sir James Marjoriebanks. The labour was provided by POWs from the Napoleonic War (1815). In winter this land sometimes floods providing a rich loam good for growing arable crops. On the river watch out for the birds including Grey Wagtail, Oystercatcher, Goosander, Heron and in summer, if you are very lucky, you may see Yellow Wagtail.
Once the walk is complete we could head to the Hirsel tearoom for refreshments.
There will be car sharing from Leaderfoot but please let me know when registering so this can be arranged. Also we can arrange car sharing from Kelso (Sainsbury’s carpark)
Circular walk, grade D, leisurely. Hiking boots and poles are optional.
Walk leader: Shirley
Estimated duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Eildon Ramblers members: please contact the walk leader per the directions in the Secretary’s email.
Members of other Ramblers groups (please bring your membership card) & 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 by 5pm on 2 November
Possible change to walk. With the increasing frequency of adverse weather events, be sure to check the ‘Cancelled or Changed Walks’ box on our website Home page before coming on the walk.
Covid-19. Please read the Covid-19 advice on our website, and observe the recommended precautions.
The car park at the Castle Hotel car park is currently a building site so I would recommend we park by the Bridge at Lees Farm storage or in the street opposite. Toilets (30p) are available at Castle hotel car park.
