Langlee Woodland

The mixed broadleaf woodland on Langlee Hill probably dates back to the late 18th century/early 19th century.

The woodland provides a backdrop of significant landscape value to the north side of Galashiels. It is situated on the upper slopes of the south side of Wester Hill, bounded on its south-east side by Langlee Housing Estate and elsewhere by open agricultural land with occasional shelter belts. The ground is generally steep rising from 150m to 250m above sea level. There are views over Galashiels, towards the Eildons and to Elwyn Glen.

Oak, ash, beech and sycamore form the canopy of the woodland, while the shrub layer has holly, elder, wild raspberry, rhododendron and laurel. To the north east of the woodland lies an area of silver birch, hawthorn and heather. Dead wood is a natural habitat for insects, lichens, and fungi such as Dryads Saddle and hole nesting birds. The woodland floor is carpeted with mosses, ferns, grasses and wild flowers including red campion and honeysuckle. Birds in the woodland include great spotted woodpecker and treecreeper. Mammals such as bats, roe deer and grey squirrel are commonly seen.

1. At the far end of the car park join the woodland path and turn left uphill to eventually reach the top of the woodland strip.

2. Follow the main path through the trees and at a junction turn right. Keep with the path as it bends round to the left. The path climbs to reach a good viewpoint from which you can see across Galashiels and beyond to the Eildon hills.

3. Go across the top of a track and through an old gateway on the right to then follow a path which runs alongside a fence. Keep with this fence as the path climbs uphill, keeping the field on your right. At the top of the wood turn left, following the woodland path until it passes the transmitter tower.

4. Continue straight on and descend through the trees. The route drops steeply to the gate at the roadside.

5. For a longer route (optional): Go straight across the road and through another gate, following the path upwards through gorse. At a path junction, keep left. Enter Langlee Community Woodland. There is a small network of paths to explore with great views to be had. Retrace your steps to the roadside gate. This will add 2 km/1.5 miles to your route.

6. At the roadside gate turn left, in the woodland, to follow a path back through the lower edge of Langlee Woodland. Continue on this path as it becomes a track past a water tank. The track comes out by housing; keeping the housing on your right follow the track as it once again climbs uphill into the woods. After the last house, turn right off the track onto a woodland path. Follow this path and eventually retrace your steps back down to the car park.
Links: you may enter or leave the woodlands from the right of way that runs up Wylie’s Brae, crosses over Elwyn Crescent and continues up the road to Langlee Mains Farm. Look out for the right turn into Langlee Woodland or you may turn left to take an oak lined track up to Langlee Community Woodland.