Hen Poo and Colonel’s Walk

This circular follows two established routes through the Duns Castle Estate and includes the attractive Hen Poo Loch that is managed as a wildlife reserve.

Duns Castle was erected in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce’s nephew, the Earl of Moray, and has been the seat of the Hay family since 1696. Each generation has enlarged and embellished the original tower transforming it into the castle that we see today.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust manages the area that comprises the nature reserve. The reserve consists of two man-made ponds, Hen Poo and Mill Dam. The ponds are surrounded by attractive mature woodland of native and introduced hardwoods. Despite being shallow and subject to algal blooms, yellow water-lilies adorn much of the surface of the Hen Poo. Mill Dam, which is smaller, was formerly used to power the estate sawmill. The wetland areas provide feeding and breeding grounds for wildfowl, and Mill Dam also supports populations of common and palmate newt. The woodland has been intensively managed and is full of wildlife, from birds to butterflies, moths to mammals and some beautiful and rare plants.

1. From Duns Market Square head up Castle Street and enter Duns Castle Estate through the North Lodge archway at the top of the street. Follow the estate road around for 300m until you reach a cairn erected to John Duns Scotus. He was one of the most influential theologians and philosophers of the middle ages. The word ‘dunce’ comes from his name.

2. Turn right at this cairn to follow the estate road as it bends towards Hen Poo Lake. The pond offers a variety of interest throughout the seasons. The water body enhances the landscape and has created a wetland rich in biodiversity.

3. Turn left at the far end of Hen Poo. After a short distance turn right and follow the path for 0.5km until you reach Mill Dam. This is a very peaceful spot. Take time to sit down and enjoy the nature around you.

4. Turn left shortly past Mill Dam and follow the pleasant path that winds its way through the mixed woodland of Castle Wood (also known as Wadderley Park), to bring you to the junction for St Mary’s Glade.

5. The waymarked route goes around to the right. If you wish to walk through St Mary’s Glade you take a left at this junction. After 100m turn left to follow a track back to the main road into Duns. The path will meet up with the same track that leads you out of the estate. Look out for an excellent view of Duns Castle from this track.

6. On reaching the A6105 turn left, and follow the pavement back into Duns Town Centre.