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.
Pamela R.
This mainly flat walk round St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural loch in the Borders, is an opportunity to appreciate the stunning scenery, provided by the calm waters, steep hillsides and "big sky", which draws droves of visitors to this lonely spot.
The path round the loch follows the Southern Upland Way along the east bank and through the remnants of the Ettrick Forest, and back via an old drovers’ path to return to the start. There will be optional detours to the vantage point on top of Dryhope Tower, the remnants of a fortified tower
house from the 1500s, and, a short cut uphill, to visit St Mary's Kirkyard where the annual Blanket
Preaching is still held in July.
There is a mixture of paths, mostly good on the east side, grassy tracks, tracks, and wide verges at
the side of the road. It is likely to be muddy on the drove road, so boots and poles are
recommended.
Please bring food and drink for 2 stops.
Car park near James Hogg monument. Car sharing is possible from Selkirk Kirkport car park.
When you register, please let leader know if you want to car share (driver or passenger).
Notes for non-members.
Please register by email or text (if a phone number is shown). Please give your name and your own mobile number. (We need this in case of any problems on the day of the walk, e.g. late cancellations or an alteration to the starting point or time.)
Please observe any registration deadlines for the walk, and please register as early as possible, to give leaders time to message about any further details, e.g. parking, directions, and general advice.
If you haven't walked before with any Ramblers groups, we allow you to walk with us for a maximum of 3 walks, before you decide whether to join the Ramblers.
If you are new to us, please tell the walk leader what kind of walking you do, and are comfortable with. The leader knows the walk and will advise whether it is suitable for you, or if it is better for you to start with a leisurely walk, so that you can judge your fitness. We don't want you to be disappointed by your first walk.
In Case of Emergency: Members carry I.C.E. cards which identify the name and number of a person to be contacted in an emergency. Non-members should bring a similar record on paper, placed in an accessible part of their clothing or rucksack. We have never had such an incident, but we need to cover all eventualities.
Drive to far end (southern end) of St. Mary's Loch. There are parking spaces on either side of the road near the cafe and the James Hogg Monument.
.png?itok=88yxdWsZ)
