The Barony Loops

A short loop exploring the countryside west of Eddleston along farmland and woodland tracks with a chance to visit the Polish Map of Scotland; a relief map in the grounds of Barony Castle created as a memorial to the Scottish people for their hospitality to Polish soldiers during WWII.

General Stanislaw Maczek’s main unit, the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade (the centre of the 1st Polish Armoured Division), was stationed at Black Barony during World War II. Maczek wished to leave a memorial to Scotland’s people to honour the protection and hospitality the nation had afforded them during the War. This outdoor relief map in the grounds of Barony Castle was built in the early 1970’s; there is an information panel on site for your interest.
The pretty circular mainly goes through farmland so be aware of livestock if you are thinking about taking a dog. Barony Castle is now a hotel that offers bar meals and snacks.

Park considerately on Old Manse Road in Eddleston and head straight ahead and then turn right towards the Barony Castle Hotel. When you reach the large iron gates on the Barony drive follow the road round to the right. After 200m turn right up some steps and then left, passing the icehouse. Continue following this attractive tree-lined track for 1km until you reach a junction of tracks. You now have two choices as to which circular route you take. Route A goes east to Darnhall Mains and then south back to Eddleston. Route B goes south towards Black Barony Home Farm.

Route A: Take the first track to the right curving round to the east, signposted Eddleston via Darnhall. Follow this for just over a kilometre until you meet the main Edinburgh Road (A703). Cross the road with care and turn right onto the path (the old road). Follow this back down to Old Manse Road where you will need to cross the road again with care to return to your starting point.

Route B: Take the track to the left signposted Old Road to Meldons and follow this through three gates for just over 1km until you reach another fingerpost. Turn left to follow the track towards Black Barony, take a right to follow the diversion round this dwelling, then take a right to wind down to Barony Castle. As you are passing Barony Castle it should be just to the right of you. Follow downhill to exit to your starting point in Eddleston.