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Leaderfoot Circular

Walking Route

Leaderfoot Circular

Walking

A relatively long circular that has great views from Goat’s Brae and returns south to cross the River Tweed by the banks of the Leader Water.

The Leader Water is a tributary of the River Tweed and has its origins in the Lammermuirs. It joins the River Tweed at Leaderfoot an area graced by the magificently elegant Leaderfoot Viaduct . This single-track railway viaduct has nineteen spans of semi-circular brick arches.

height
Distance:
9mi / 14km
trending_flat
Total climb:
1,115ft / 340m
trending_flat
Total descent:
1,115ft / 340m
Towns along route:
Melrose, Newstead, Gattonside
Difficulty:
Moderate
Difficulty notes:
Minor roads, good paths, with some stretches muddy after rain.
Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Melrose

Towns & Villages

The trail starts in Melrose beside the magical Eildon Hills.


Newstead

Towns & Villages

Newstead is a village approximately 1 mile east of Melrose. It is thought to be the oldest continually-inhabited settlement in Scotland.


Gattonside

Towns & Villages

The small village of Gattonside lies on the north side of the River Tweed, just 1 kilometre north of Melrose.


Dryburgh Abbey - St Boswells

Visitor Attractions

Wander around this remarkably complete medieval ruin by the River Tweed to grasp the appeal of monastic life.