Ettrick and Yarrow eBike Hire and Community Hub

About Ettrick and Yarrow eBike Hire and Community Hub

The old Ettrick school is managed by the community in the upper reaches of the wild and lovely Ettrick valley. It has a large flat playground where campervans are welcome to park overnight with picnic tables, outside tap, Elsan disposal point, Guest WiFi, wildlife garden, and friendly locals. £15 to park for the night, payable by QR code or cash through the letterbox. Electric Bikes are available to hire when booked in advance to explore the exceptionally quiet roads and forest tracks (over 14 years only £20 per half day/£40 whole day includes helmet and hi viz waistcoat) These are easy to ride, have comfort saddles, sturdy tyres and front suspension so are ideal for exploring off road or looping around the valleys stopping off at the local pub or tearoom. Bikes must be booked in advance through bikes@ettrickandyarrow.org.uk or call/text 07483 404663 or 07846 505630
Inside the visitor centre there is a permanent exhibition which celebrates the life and work of the local shepherd boy, James Hogg, who became famous for his poetry, songs and novels despite having little or no formal education. His master-piece was the first psychological novel, The Confessions of a Justified Sinner' published in 1824. The exhibition is open 3 afternoons through the summer months. The centre also houses a large collection of historical books, documents and artefacts relating to life in the valleys, as well as the Napier family and the influential Scottish Calvinist minister, the Revd. Thomas Boston. Visitors are welcome to relax on comfy armchairs and browse the books as long as the centre is open. Entry by donation. Friendly volunteer staff will make you welcome and share their local knowledge. Tea and coffee usually available. All donations help to keep this community run facility open.
Also nearby and in community ownership is the restored wetland and conservation area called the Ettrick Marshes - 53ha with paths and boardwalks through woodland which runs beside the water and can be accessed from either the Ettrick Marshes carpark next to the Tima Water (half a mile from the visitor centre) or from the other end at the Marshes carpark next to the Honey Cottage caravan park and the Bee Hive tearoom. The walk from end to end is a three mile nature trail on made paths with the possibility of seeing a red squirrel or two. Ranger led guided walks are available by arrangement.