Paxton House to Union Chain Bridge Circular

A circular route from the elegant Paxton House passing along a section of the River Tweed and through the policy woodlands.

Paxton House was built in 1758 for Patrick Home of Billie; the building is one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in Britain.

From Paxton House car park, follow signs to the Playground and Boat House. A vehicle track leads downhill to the Boat House Museum. Salmon netting is still conducted here for scientific purposes.

Turn left and head upstream. Cross the Linn Burn via a footbridge and continue along the estate boundary. After the weir, cross the main entrance road.

Follow Nabdean Burn for 750m. Exit the grounds and turn left. Walk 600m on the road before following ‘The Loaning’ sign onto a grass track. Cross the burn via the footbridge and enter the woodland.

Exit at Tweedhill Lodge and follow the minor road for 1km to the Union Chain Bridge.

Drop down to the River Tweed, turn left, and follow the path downstream for 600m. Cross two stiles through the high estate wall.

Turn right to follow the riverside path to the Bird Hide. Look for tufted duck, goldeneye, kingfishers, and grey seals. Continue to return to the Boat House.