Manderston Circular

This circular mainly follows country roads, although be aware that the last section is along a scant pavement by the A6105.

There is an option to take a short detour to visit the De la Bastie monument – a French knight who served as warden of the Eastern Marches.

1. From Duns Market Square head up Castle Street to the junction with Newtown Street. Cross opposite the Horn Inn and turn right on to the A6112, signposted to Grantshouse and Cranshaws. Continue along this road for just over 1km. As you leave the town look right over the cemetery to enjoy the view over the Merse.

2. Take the right turn that is signposted for Johnsfield and Broomhouse. Go downhill for about 0.8km where you will see a track leading off to the right. This track may be used to shorten your walk. You will reach Duns in just less than 4km if this route is chosen.

3. If you are taking the full route continue past the track junction. As you pass a minor road that turns off to the left, continue straight on following the road sign for Chirnside. Follow the road for 1km until you reach the next junction.

4. Although the waymarked route turns right at this junction, you may wish to visit the De la Bastie Monument. To visit this site turn left. The distance to the monument and back to the junction is only 0.6km. This memorial pillar stands just outside the gates of the former mansion house of Broomhouse (now demolished) and is erected to Roger de la Bastie. De la Bastie, a French knight, was appointed as warden of the Eastern Marches by James V’s regent, the Duke of Albany, after the capture and beheading of the former warden, the Earl of Home. The Homes retaliated by chasing De la Bastie and beheading him before he could cross the ford over Whiteadder Water, where it flows past Broomhouse. You may also continue on to the river from here. If you wish to continue along the route turn right ignoring the left turn to the monument and follow the road to the right. The road turns sharp left just before some cottages. Just after the cottages you reach Manderston Mill. The M on the sign denotes that this is part of Manderston Estate. The road that goes off to the right here provides another shortcut to Buxley, bypassing Edrom Mains. To follow the whole route, continue on the road passing Edrom Mains.

5. At the next junction turn right onto a very straight road which has a long climb uphill. At the top of the hill you will come to Manderston Cricket Club grounds, opposite the road from Manderston Mill. Continue past Buxley which has some interesting historic buildings and was built as the “Home” farm for Manderston House. Manderston House was originally built in the Georgian period, circa. 1809. However, the house was extensively remodelled and modernised in Edwardian times and comprises 109 rooms and is surrounded by 56 acres of formal gardens. It was the setting for Channel 4’s The Edwardian Country House which chronicled what life would have been like for a family and their servants. Keep on this road until you reach the junction with the A6105.

6. Go straight ahead along the A6105 following the narrow path that runs along the edge of the road. Please take care here as the traffic can be fast moving along the Duns to Berwick road. Continue on into Duns and cross over the roundabout to Murray Street following this street to return to Market Square.