Chirnside to Auchencrow

A linear route between the settlements of Chirnside and Auchenrow taking in a section of the old railway line.

Chirnside had a railway station at Chirnsidebridge as part of North British Railway’s Berwickshire Railway; opened in 1863. Chirnside Railway Station closed to passengers on 10 September 1951.
This is part of the David Hume Walk. Hume, Britain’s famous philosopher and historian, influenced Darwin and Einstein.


Head left down Chirnside Main Street. After 600m, cross the road and continue west on the A6105. After 750m, take the road to the right toward Chirnsidebridge.

After the telephone box, turn right onto a tarmac road at Rockcliffe House. Follow the road left to a farm. Go through the small gate on the left and turn right, keeping the wooden fence on your right.

Pass through a metal gate and keep to the field margin. After 175m, join the dismantled Berwickshire Railway Line. Follow this for 750m through a wooden gate.

After 300m, pass through another gate. On the left is Billie Burn. Pass two ponds with reed beds, descend a slope, and go through two gates. Follow the wood plantation on your right for 300m.

Look back for views of the Chirnside Mill chimney. Pass through two more gates, head down a slope, and cross a stile.

Cross the minor road and go through the opposite gate. Turn left and follow the fence for 125m. At the fingerpost, turn left for Auchencrow. Keep the hedgerow on your left. After 350m, go through a gate and turn left. After 800m, you reach a gate near the remains of Billie Castle (burnt in 1544 during the "Rough Wooing").

Go through the gate and turn right. A kilometer later, you arrive in Auchencrow. Turn right at the road; the Craw Inn is 250m on the left.