Allanton Circular

A pleasant circular from the small settlement of Allanton by woodland and farmland. Allanton lies south-east of Chirnside on the Whiteadder Water.

The village was built up in the late 18th century and housed three tailors’ shops; the last one did not close until the 1960s.
Allanton was traditionally part of the estate of the Blackadders, a powerful border clan. The village was once notable for its tailors' shops (having three in the 20th century) and the Allanton Inn, which was formed by joining two cottages in the 1830s.

After parking by the telephone box, head south for 200m until you reach a wooded plantation. Follow the path through the wood for 600m; keep an eye out for deer.

At the end of the wood, turn right and follow a farm road for 650m leading to Blackadder Mount. Turn right at the ‘Path’ signpost. Keeping the fence line on your right, head toward the small copse 300m away.

Go around the copse, keeping it on your right. Turn right toward a break in the hedge line 100m ahead. Cross into the next field and turn left. Keeping the hedge line on your left, follow the path for 275m.

At the end of the field, turn right and follow the wooded area. At the next waypost, you will see Gold Nick Bridge. Continue along the path for 450m with the wood on your left.

Note on Gold Nick Bridge: Dating to the late 18th century, this grandiose bridge spans a tributary of the Blackadder Water. It was used by visitors to Blackadder House but fell into poor condition after the house was demolished in the late 1920s.

Turn left and enter the wood. Turn right and, after 175m, you will return to Allanton’s Main Street.

Optional: From the Allanton Inn, head north toward Chirnside to cross the Allanton Bridge (dated 1841). This is where the Whiteadder and Blackadder Waters join. "Adder" comes from the Old English awedur, meaning "running water."