The Loanings, Chirnside

An easy route around The Loanings (old lanes) that lead from the fields into the settlement. The Loanings is a network of paths and tracks to the north of Chirnside.

On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the countryside, including the Lammermuir Hills. The area is rich in wildlife due to small plantations and abundant hedgerows; look for chaffinches, game birds, hares, foxes, and roe deer.

Leave Crosshill car park and head east along the pavement on Main Street East End. After 800m, leave Chirnside and follow the pavement round to the left.

A fingerpost directs you to ‘The Loaning’ and a grass path that runs north between a fence line and a hedge. After 600m, leave the grass path and turn left onto a farm track.

Follow this path for a further 400m and then turn right and follow a field margin keeping the fence line to your right. This will take you to the northern end of ‘The Loanings’.

At the top of the field turn left, still keeping the fence line on your right. At the southern end of a wooded area, cross over a stile and follow the edge of the wood, keeping it on your right.

Exiting the field through a break in the hedgerow, turn right onto another farm track. To your right, you will see the imposing sight of Chirnside Mill’s chimney stack.

At the intersection of another farm track, turn right and follow this path back to Chirnside. Exiting onto Main Street West End, turn left and head back up the hill to the start.