Ninewells and the Whiteadder Water

A pleasant route from Chirnside passing along the Whiteadder Water and by Chirnsidebridge. You will pass Ninewells Dovecot dating back to the 16th century .

Ninewells House was the childhood home of the famous philisopher David Hume (1711-76) and this route follows the start of the David Hume Walk.

Leave Crosshill car park and head east. After passing the Co-op, turn right at the ‘School’ sign. Heading down the hill, you will see the 12th-century church and views of the Merse. After 250m, the Ninewells Dovecot appears on your right. (This 16th-century circular structure was built to house pigeons; legend says Hume of Ninewells built it so his birds would feed on a neighbor's crops after winning the land in a wager).

Continue down the hill for 75m and turn right. Exit onto the pavement and turn left. At a gravel car park near the church, follow the sign for ‘McBain’s Path’. Exit onto a tarmac road, turn left, cross to the pavement, and turn right.

Just before the North Lodge, pick up the ‘Ninewells Path’. Pass through a gate and turn left down a grass track. Follow directions for ‘Chirnside Mill’. On your left is Ninewells House, the childhood home of philosopher David Hume. During WWII, it served as a hostel for displaced persons and a prisoner of war camp.

Pass through a gate into a wooded area. Descend steps and turn right to see the Whiteadder Water.

Another set of steps leads to the riverside. Follow the river upstream for 600m. A waypost directs you up a steep climb into the woods. Follow the path through the woods past two further wayposts. Exit onto a farm track and turn right to the main road.

Carefully cross the road; 50m to the right is a sign for another wooded area. To the left is Chirnside Paper Mill. The first mill dates from 1827; it was enlarged in 1842 to meet demands for fine paper produced from rags.

Exit onto a minor road. Turn right (staying aware of traffic) and continue to the next junction and the main road into Chirnside. Turn left; the village outskirts are reached in 750m.