Old Railway Duns

This figure of eight route follows the old railway line in part that was a branch line of the East Coast Main line .

Opened in 1849 this branch line between Reston and Duns was extended to meet the Hawick to Edinburgh line in 1865. This was one section of 5,000 miles of railway line recommended for closure under ‘Beeching’s Axe’ in 1966.

1. From Duns Market Square head down Murray Street to meet the A6112 at the roundabout. Turn right on to the A6112. If you are walking use the pavement on the right hand side. You will pass the public park on your right, then you will pass Trinity Park on your left and just before the industrial estate you will pass Station Avenue on your right.

2. After a short distance turn left into the industrial estate. Follow the road through until it comes to an end and the path on the old railway begins. This line was opened in August 1849 as a branch route of the East Coast main line, between Reston and Duns. The line was extended to join the main Hawick to Edinburgh line in 1865, however, this service ended after devastating floods in 1948 when the line west of Duns was closed. The section to Reston was closed almost 20 years later in 1966. After a further 1km the path crosses a road before continuing on the other side. Cross the road with care and go through the gate opposite to continue following the old railway path.

3. Continue along the old railway for 1.2km until you are on the old railway bridge. Walk over the bridge and through the trees exiting the field through the gate just off to your left. Turn left, keeping to the grass verge, and then turn left down the road signposted for Whitelaw. Cross underneath the railway bridge. Turn right, after only 120m, into the straight road going past Wedderburn Castle. Follow this road for 1.2km until you reach a T-junction.

4. Turn right at this junction where there is a welcome seat. Follow the road gently uphill for 1km and turn left onto the A6105 (Bridgend). There is a pavement for pedestrians here, all the way back to the roundabout. Cross over to Murray Street to return to Market Square.