The Sware Circuit

This circular route follows the River Tweed before going over the lower Manor Bridges and passes the viewpoints on The Sware road.

The Sware road was closed to vehicular traffic in recent years because the Old Manor Brig is not strong enough. However, take care because cars still drive up to the viewpoints.

From the Kingsmeadow car park cross the bridge and on its far side turn left past the swimming pool to join the riverside path. Continue beside the river right through Hay Lodge Park. At the end of the park continue along the riverbank and over the rocky outcrops where Scots pine tower above you. These rocks are greywacke sandstone, formed 430 million years ago. The path passes through riparian native woodland consisting of oak, ash, alder, hawthorn and wild rose. Other tree species along this stretch include larch, lime, beech and cedar.

The track passes beneath the imposing Neidpath Castle elevated on a rocky bluff above the river. Built in the 14th century and remodelled in the 17th it is the epitome of a Borders fortified home. The castle was owned by the Hay family who were Earls of Tweeddale, later it fell under the ownership of the Earls of Wemyss and March who are the owners to this day. Beyond the castle the path climbs higher above the river. From this new vantage point you may see otters in the water and goosanders on the deeper pools. These ducks have a bill with backward serrations used for catching fish. Daubenton’s bats also feed at this section of the river but you would need to be there at dusk to see them.

Continue to follow the path along the railway line. Until you reach the steps that take you up to the road. You will pass the side of the viaduct. Built in 1864 it is a masterpiece of engineering set in a skew with seven arches. Nature note: Kingfishers may be resident in this area; an unmistakable bird because of its vivid, predominantly blue colouring.

Turn left along the road crossing Manor Bridge over the Tweed; this stone bridge was built in 1883 to replace the ford. After 250m turn left to follow the road over Old Manor Brig. Built in 1702, it was a ‘stipend bridge’ constructed with monies from a vacant parish. Follow the road up the steep brae known as Manor Sware. The pasture field below is a favourite feeding ground for rooks and crows, where they may glean worms from the soil, leatherjackets from the grass or dung beetles from the cowpats. You can tell the rooks from the feathers on their legs which give them a ‘baggy trouser’ appearance.

You will reach a car park area that has picnic tables and an orientation point. You may choose to take a short rest here and enjoy the views back along the Tweed Valley. Continue along the road where, after 350m, you will find another view point on your left. This time you can look over the town of Peebles nestled in the valley.

From the viewpoint continue down hill to Edderston Farm and keep on this road until you reach Edderston Road. Turn right onto Edderston Road. Then, after a short distance, turn left into Craigerne Lane. Follow the metal John Buchan Way signs as they take you through the narrow path to Frankscroft and Chambers Terrace to return to Kingsmeadows Road and the car park.