The Two Bridges

Designed by John Rennie and built by Murray and Lees between 1800 and 1803 Kelso Bridge has five elliptical arches of 72 feet span, 10 feet rise, and is 24 feet wide between the parapets.

A pair of engaged Doric Columns rises from the semi-circular cutwaters on each of the piers. Due to the high approach at the south end of the bridge and in order to keep the deck level, an embankment had to be built at the north end, and carries the A699 public road between the north and south of the town.

1. Exit Kelso Square from the south west corner, heading for the old bridge via Bridge Street. Look out for Ednam House Hotel on the right, a fine Georgian house designed in 1761 by James Nisbet for James Dickson of Ednam. Also, on the left you will see The Queen’s Head Hotel, a beautiful example of an 18th century coaching house. You will pass Kelso Abbey which was founded in 1128 by King David I. It was ultimately sacked by the Earl of Heartford in 1545. Continue on past the War Memorial until arriving at Rennies Bridge, opened in 1803. This was the prototype for his famous Waterloo Bridge in London which was demolished in 1937 and re-erected in America. Two of the old gas lamps from the London bridge are evident across the bridge.

2. Just past the lamps turn left, down the steps, into Bridgend Park. Pass straight through the park along the path for 150m to the Millennium Viewpoint in the wall on the hill, which gives the finest views of the town.

3. Leave the park and continue uphill along the pavement, passing the petrol station and post box on your left. Turn left onto Sprouston Road, continuing for 200m, until you spot a gate lodge on your left. Turn left into the driveway and immediately left again into the woodland, and walk down the steps to the Tweed. Pass along the riverbank and up the steps until you reach a small park at the edge of the housing in Pinnaclehill Park. Turn left onto the pavement, at the T junction cross the road, turn right, within 50m turn left at the next junction, leaving the estate for the main road to Sprouston.

4. Continue left downhill for 350m until the Hunter Bridge is in full view. Don’t pass under the bridge but look for the path on your right which will take you up to the road.

5. At the main road turn left, pass across the bridge taking in the views of the Tweed until reaching a minor slip-road on your left, leading you back down to the river. This leads to Mayfield Riverside Walk which follows the river for 800m directly upstream to Rennies Bridge. Return to Bridge Street, retracing your steps back to Kelso Square.