Walks with Rewards in the South of Scotland

Across the South of Scotland there are plenty of leisurely walks to fill a happy few hours. Whether you are trying to tire out small legs (and big ones), gift yourself time to reflect in the fresh air or take in the sights of the historic towns and natural delights of the landscapes, there is a walk for you. Most are easy to moderate walks with a few more challenging ones thrown in. Most importantly there are suggestions for where to head for tasty rewards when you are finished. Whether it is a hot beverage and cake or a hearty pint and pie, you’ll have earned it!

Head for the hills

Melrose

The Eildon Hills rise above Melrose and are an iconic site throughout the Scottish Borders. These hills have inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott, James Hogg and Thomas the Rhymer, creating myths and legends around the very landscape you will tread.

There are multiple routes to explore but a circuit of 3-4 hours is possible for the keen walker. This starts in Melrose, following St Cuthbert’s Way and then turning to head up the summit of Eildon North before descending and returning to Melrose where you can enjoy ruins of Melrose Abbey or take in the Roman history at Trimontium Museum. When you have finished your exploring, head to Burts Hotel for sustenance and a rewarding drink.

Langholm

If it is hills you want then it is to Langholm you must go. This is a paradise for hill walkers with relatively gentle, rolling hills sporting way-marked routes heading off into the solitude of the quiet hills in every direction. There are 14 walks in the local Langholm walks booklet and choosing just one is difficult. A firm favourite circular loop includes a climb to the 100ft obelisk, the Malcolm Monument, on Whita Hill taking in a small detour as you go to visit the memorial to one of Scotland’s key 20th century poets Hugh MacDiarmid. Afterwards head to the Eskdale Hotel in town for reviving drinks and to tell the tales of your adventures.

Short town walks with families

Eyemouth

Eyemouth offers a trail with a difference for families looking to fill a couple of hours. Embark on the Smugglers’ Trail and journey to see some out-of-the-way coves and beaches that the ‘free traders’ used in days gone by. Travel along the shore and see where smugglers would stash their ‘booty’ before selling to the local community. There are a range of options from a waymarked 8-mile (12km) circular route to short options including a climb to Blaikie Heugh. At the end of it all enjoy fish and chips at one of the many restaurants/cafes in town and treat yourself to delicious ice cream.

Duns

Great one for the whole family– wear out the children as they check out the Tree Trail through Duns park and then head to the Jim Clark museum where they can have a go on the driving simulator before sitting down for light lunch or afternoon snack at the Jim Clark Bistro.

Monuments and castles

Castle Douglas

Once the stronghold of the Douglas family, Threave Castle sits on an island, which is accessible by boat across the River Dee in the summer. In the autumn and winter, bird hides on the mainland offer the ideal place to sit and watch for over wintering geese. The walk varies from a 4km circular walk to 12.5km depending on the detours you decide to take, including the leg to Threave Castle. If that all sounds too vigourous, then Threave Gardens are a delight any time of year and well worth the entrance fee. The NTS Threave café offers light lunches, cakes, snacks and tea, or you can head into Scotland’s Food Town, Castle Douglas for more varied fayre.

New Abbey

There are plenty of options for those wishing to visit Sweetheart Abbey, built by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway in memory of her husband John Balliol. Take a gentle stroll around the abbey itself or download the Dumfries walking booklet and follow the trail to the Waterloo Monument to be rewarded with fabulous views over the Solway Firth. Heading back down will land you at the Abbey Cottage Tea Room, an ideal reward for your efforts – just check which days it is open during the winter season.

Family friendly fresh air walks

Near Newton Stewart

While Kirroughtree 7Stanes outside Newton Stewart is a well-known mountain biking mecca, the woodland trails are also ideal for leisurely walks for all ages. There is a variety of trails of differing lengths and at the end of it all a super play park for the children to burn off any remaining energy. Picnic benches abound and there is a café open daily from 10-5 for refreshments.

Near Jedburgh

Outside the town of Jedburgh are the Harestanes Paths which offer a superb variety of walks through the woods beside Folly Loch, up to the Waterloo Tower on Peniel Heugh or a family friendly short stroll around the Cricket Park. Best of all you can finish at the Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre with its cafe and play park for younger children. For adults wanting something more thirst quenching, perhaps the Ancrum Cross Keys, a short drive away, will do the trick.

Literary walks

Dumfries

When Robert Burns moved to Dumfries in 1791, he would often walk along the banks of the River Nith to connect with his surroundings. Follow in his footsteps along the river on this peaceful walk and look out for places connected with the Bard along the way, including Robert Burns House museum and his mausoleum. The most fitting place to end your walk is in The Globe Inn – Robert Burns’s favourite pub, or ‘howff’ as he called it. This award winning eatery features delicious locally sourced ingredients and has an excellent Classic Burns Tour of the property to boot!

Wellness walks in woodlands

Galloway Forest Park

The largest Forest Park in Britain, Galloway Forest Park has a fantastic selection of trails ranging from gentle woodland strolls to more mountainous adventures. The park has three visitor centres: Kirroughtree, Glentrool and Clatteringshaws. Clear scenic circuits marked out, and the first two are equipped with cafes as well. The Galloway Forest Park is also the UK’s first Dark Sky Park and if you time your visit for night fall, you’ll see the stars in one of the darkest places in Europe. Newton Stewart offers ideal options for reviving after your walks at the Riverbank Cafe or the Belted Galloway Visitor Centre.

Cardrona Forest

On the south side of the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders lies Cardrona Forest. Here you will find relaxed walking trails within the calming atmosphere of this woodland. Take the Pikes Knowe Trail to travel deep into the forest to discover the remains of Cardrona Tower and the Iron Age fort at Castle Knowe. There are plenty of places to rest along the way, ideal spots for quiet meditation and relaxation. And when you have finished your contemplations make your way to the Glentress Peel Cafe for breakfast, lunch or a warming coffee and homebaked goods.

Town explorations

Kirkcudbright

Head off on the town trail or make use of Dumfries & Galloway council’s excellent Kirkcudbright Bay Leaflet to choose a suitable walk for the area – we recommend the St Mary’s Isle Walk. When you’re finished, the Kirkcudbright Galleries Cafe is the ideal place for a restorative cup of tea and cake. Don’t forget to check out the permanent collection of the Kirkcudbright artists as well as the latest touring exhibits from around Scotland.

Peebles

Explore historic Peebles, a royal Burgh from as long ago as King David I. The town straddles both sides of the River Tweed and this walking route skirts along its banks for some of it. A detour over the Cuddy Bridge will bring you to a delicious pit stop at Cocoa Black. Here, UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks has a menu solely for hot chocolate options and a patisserie menu, too. There is a riverside garden where dogs are welcome and this offers the ideal stop after your turn about town.

Annan

Follow the banks of the River Annan as it makes its way to the Solway Firth in this variable length town walk. Take Option A and head to Our Place for lunch or a coffee once you are finished. Do the longer walks and if you are feeling in need of something a bit stronger for a restorative, head out of town the short distance to Annandale Distillery which has an excellent café doing lunches and cakes – and there’s always the option of a whisky tasting!

Easy access trails

Near Walkerburn

Sitting east of Walkerburn between Peebles and Galashiels is the Forestry Commission site, Thornielee. It enjoys a pretty viewpoint from the car park and there is an easy access route called the Meadow Trail, with accessible picnic tables and great wildlife viewing around the ponds. Nearby, the Tweed Valley Wild Watch Osprey Viewing Centre at Glentress Peel is accessible to all users and includes live remote osprey viewing facilities. There is also a café/restaurant and wildlife interpretation on site.

Near Dalbeattie

RSPB Mersehead on the northern coast of the Solway Firth is a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. The Wetland Trail is wide and hard surfaced with accessible ramps up to two of the reserves’ hides for wildlife viewing. There are hot drinks and snacks at the Visitor Centre but you may wish to take along your own picnic and make use of the tables on site.

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