Gala Policies

In 1974 the former Selkirkshire County Council purchased these policies. This woodland once formed part of a larger estate owned by Hugh Scott, Laird of Galashiels.

Policies are defined as “the enclosed grounds of a large house, the park of an estate”. Although the original parkland was more extensive the legacy still remains intact. The policies are home to both native and foreign tree species, for example, giant redwoods (Wellingtonia) that grace one of the entrances to the park. There are short paths within the policies that pass the pond area, a modern piece of landscaping from the early 1990s.

1. From Gala Policies car park, go through the gate and up the track, which served as the old driveway, to the site of New Gala House, demolished in 1985. This house and these grounds were laid out in the 1870s, for the Scott’s of Galashiels.

2. After a short distance the main track swings left around the back of the ponds (which can be visited later on this route). Here you must leave the main track and turn right and then right again to cross a bridge over the burn. Follow the path through the trees until another bridge is reached, going into the housing estate. Turn left here to stay in the woods and follow their top boundary, keep the wall on the right as a guide.

3. After a short distance join a path which emerges out onto a large open area, follow the path as it snakes up to a fine view point at the top of the grassy mound.

4. From the view point head downhill, keeping the dyke on your right hand side. Turn left when you meet the Southern Upland Way.

5. Follow the Southern Upland Way until you reach a path going down to a boardwalk at the pond. Explore around the ponds if you wish and then carry on following the Southern Upland Way back to the start of the route.

For Easy Access Circuit (1km): A circuit using wide, level to gently sloping paths is possible. In some weather conditions some of the paths may be softer than usual so please take care. Follow the main driveway to the site of the New Gala House. Turn left after a short steep section, to descend gently through the woods and onto a bridge over a burn, to reach the ponds. Return to the start by the Southern Upland Way or by the pond and main driveway.