Heiton and Bowmont Forest

A long circular that passes through Heiton, south-west of Kelso, and explores a large area of arable land south-east of Kelso.

This route was designed with horse-riders in mind so it also makes a good cycle route. The railway here closed to passengers in July 1964 and to freight four years later.

1. From Bowmont Forest car park follow the forest track 1km past the wooden barrier leading into the forest. Bowmont Forest is a commercial coniferous forest. Look out for siskin, crossbill and roe deer. At the end of the track turn left and continue along this track as it swings left to follow the edge of the forest. At the track junction turn right and follow a grassy track out of the forest down to the public road.

2. Turn right and after 250m turn left, keeping to the public road as it heads downhill past Ladyrig Farm and on to Heiton. Go straight across the main road and follow the track as it bears left through the farm steading. Follow the track as it descends then turns right and left to join the disused railway.

3. Turn right and follow the railway as it opens up to provide excellent views over Floors Castle and Kelso.

4. As you draw level with the large white house (Maisondieu) on your right the path descends from the railway embankment. At the base of the embankment go through a gate on your right and turn immediately left to follow the path along the edge of a young wood. At the corner of the wood follow the fence around to the right, after 70m turn left through a small gate, and right, following the field edge as it swings round to the right to a gap in the fence.

5. Go through the gap and bear right to pick up a track running down the left side of another young wood. This track can be very wet and muddy.

6. Go through the gate and cross the main road. Turn left and follow the pavement into the town. After the Ambulance station take the first road on your right into Spylaw Park. Continue along the road for 150m then turn right onto a path which leads through to Spylaw Road. Turn left and continue along the road to the crossroads.

7. At the crossroads go straight ahead and follow the main road for approximately 1km as it gradually descends and later turns left then right and heads under the road bridge. Beneath the bridge lies Wooden Anna (an island in the river).

8. Just beyond the bridge turn right onto a minor road and follow this uphill a short distance to a railway bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn left and climb up onto the railway embankment then bear right.

9. Walkers and cyclists can follow the path off the end of the embankment down to the road, turn left then right. Horse riders should follow the path around to the left following the field edge to a small gate, turn right and then left. Follow the path round the field edge before picking up the line of the railway once more. The railway is now followed to Sprouston.

10. Just before the bungalow turn right and drop down to the minor road. Cross the road and follow the farm track uphill, behind you lies the village of Sprouston.

11. At the cottages turn left and follow the double hedged track as it climbs to Windywalls farm. At the farm steading join the minor road and continue straight ahead as it continues to climb gently. At the road end turn left then immediately right along another minor road.

12. Just beyond Lurdenlaw house turn right onto a farm track and follow it as it initially climbs to a small wood on your right then descends towards the main road with fine views towards the Cheviot Hills. Turn left and then right to pick up another farm track.

13. At the main road (Kelso to Morebattle) turn left and keep to the grassy verge for 100m. Cross the road and join a farm track. After 600m turn right heading into Bowmont Forest. Continue straight ahead along the forest track for a further 700m.

14. At the track junction turn left and follow the track back to the car park and start point.