Kirnie Law, Priesthope and the River Tweed

This route includes The Cuddy Brig, a forest walk, a hill walk up to the dis-used water tank (the water from here powered the turbines) and a return along the River Tweed.

You may wish to take the short detour to look closer at the tower shaped pumping station. Kirnie Law Hydraulic Scheme was carried out in 1919 to be the first hydro-electric scheme of its kind in Scotland. Driven by the need for more energy at Tweedvale and Tweedholm Mills, a system was designed using a ferro-concrete reservoir 450m high on Kirnie Law. During the night, water was pumped back up to the reservoir. The tank was capable of holding 3,500,000 gallons of water.

1. With Leithen Road car park and river at your back turn right onto Leithen Road. After 50m turn right between two houses and cross the river over the Cuddy Bridge. After crossing the bridge turn right and then left and left to follow the higher path along to Pirn Fort. Follow this path north for 1km.

2. Take a sharp right to follow a track uphill for 400m. Then take a sharp left following a steeper track uphill for another 400m until you reach a crossroad of tracks. Cross straight over.

3. Follow this track east towards Kirnie Law. After 300m you will walk onto an open heather clad hill. Climb up to the concrete structure and turn right at its far end to find a breach in the wall to explore.

4. With the reservoir on your right head south contouring the summit of Kirnie Law. After 200m take the right fork. Follow this hill track for 700m until a T-junction. Turn left and follow for 2.5km to reach the abandoned steading of Priesthope.

5. Do not go through the field gate; turn sharp right to take the track heading south back to Walkerburn. Just before the farm buildings go through a pedestrian gate to your right.

6. Cross the A72 with care. Head to Caberston Road and follow until the primary school. Go through the kissing gate and turn right onto the river bank. Follow the riverside for 2.5km.

7. When you reach the old railway bridge walk underneath and go up the steps on your right. Turn left onto the tarmac path and after 600m turn right to Princes Street. Turn left between sheds, cross the Leithen over the footbridge, and cross over Leithen Mills Road. Take the narrow path to Waverley Road, follow to the High Street, and return to the starting point.