Buckholm Circular

A circular route with great views over the Gala Water valley crossing farmland, country roads and forests.

The route passes Buckholm Tower built in 1582 by John Hoppringil (Pringle). An alternative route takes you up to Dobie’s Grave. Legend has it that Dobie died when he accepted a wager to play his bagpipes all the way from Galashiels to Lauder.

1. From Ladhope car park, head up the woodland path to meet the track by Heatheryett car park. Ladhope woodland and Glen lie on what was the western boundary of the former Ladhope estate. On the death of Mr Hugh Roberts in 1944, the estate was bequeathed to the Burgh of Galashiels. From Heatheryett car park follow the road uphill past the cemetery until you reach the field at the end of this track. Enter the field and continue to the corner of the wall. At this point the Dobie’s grave path goes straight on. According to local legend in 1790 Dobie accepted a wager to play his bagpipes all the way from Lauder to Galashiels. However he collapsed and died at the spot where a pile of stones now marks his grave.

2. To continue following the Buckholm Circular route turn left with the wall on your left. Go through the gate and along the track. Enter and cross the field, not going uphill or downhill and exit the field by another gate. Continue on a track for about 500m.

3. On reaching the buildings at Old Buckholm turn right past the arched entrance to the old courtyard around the old tower which was built in 1582 by John Hoppringil or Pringle, regaining the track on the far side. Head along the track through several gates to reach the road.

4. Turn right and follow the road for 1.5km to reach Ladhope Woodland. Turn right to join the forest track (the Dobie’s Grave path comes out in the field on your right here).

5. Go uphill on the forest track and at a junction bear left. Continue to follow the track until you reach a wall and then turn right and continue around the top edge of the forest.

6. The path forks after almost 1km, take the left path and continue round the edge of the woodland, keeping the dyke on your left, to reach the far corner. On reaching the dyke at the perimeter of the golf course continue to follow the wall around, keeping it on your left, until a gate is reached. Go through the gate and follow the Ladhope Burn down to the far corner of the field, here enter onto the golf course.

7. Continue along the edge of the golf course until you reach a set of steps. Go down the steps and alongside the burn until you meet a track, turn right to cross over the bridge and retrace your steps back through the woods to the car park.