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Torwoodlee Circular

Walking Route

Torwoodlee Circular

Walking

This route mainly follows old farm tracks and country roads. Although the suggested start is from Clovenfords you may wish to start from the drive to Torwoodlee House taking a visit to Torwoodlee Tower.

Torwoodlee and Buckholm Estates are owned by the Pringle family; a sign on the drive way informs you of where their private area begins.

Clovenfords lies 2 miles to the west of Galashiels.

1. Start in Clovenfords taking care to park considerately. Head to the start by following the B710 to Hillend at the north edge of Clovenfords. Follow this road up the hill for approximately 2.75km. Look out for Whytbank Tower to your left almost hidden in the woodlands. This tower was built in the 16th century by James Pringle, ancestors of the Pringle family who today own Torwoodlee and Buckholm Estates. There are pleasant views of the hills around Galashiels to the north and east as you ascend.

2. At a fingerpost you be will guided right, along a track towards Torwoodlee Mains. Go through three gates on this track before reaching a Y-junction. Take the right hand fork here. This track winds its way up through a young scot’s pine woodland. You will get pleasant views down to the Gala Water as you ascend. Follow the track for 1.5km until you reach a junction that looks over Torwoodlee Golf Course on your left. Take the track to your right, with the golf course behind you, towards the farm buildings.

3. This track is set between fields looking over to Torwoodlee Mains on your left. When you reach the farm buildings follow the signs through the farm steading that lead you on to a well maintained track.

4. You will have to go through several gates on this stretch so please leave them as you find them. Torwoodlee is a working farm so please be considerate when there are farm operations occurring at the time of your visit. Sections of this track may be muddy as the cattle and sheep have feeding stations along this section. This track will lead you straight back to your starting point at Hillend.

If you would like to extend your walk:
You can follow the old railway line then follow the pavement up to the bottom of Torwoodlee House’s drive. You can follow the drive until the waymarkers take you left up to Torwoodlee Tower or further on to meet Torwoodlee Circular. You will join the Torwoodlee Circular at the gate that leads into the golf course.

Further information:
Paths around Galashiels
Downloads:
pathsaroundgala10-1.pdf Galashiels_11.gpx
height
Distance:
5.5mi / 8.5km
trending_flat
Total climb:
623ft / 190m
trending_flat
Total descent:
623ft / 190m
Towns along route:
Clovenfords
Difficulty:
Moderate
Difficulty notes:
Farm and woodland tracks, minor roads.
Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Image of This route mainly follows old farm tracks and country roads. Although the suggested start is from Clovenfords you may wish to start from the drive to Torwoodlee House taking a visit to Torwoodlee Tower. Torwoodlee and Buckholm Estates are owned by the Pringle family; a sign on the drive way informs you of where their private area begins. Clovenfords lies 2 miles to the west of Galashiels. 1. Start in Clovenfords taking care to park considerately. Head to the start by following the B710 to Hillend at the north edge of Clovenfords. Follow this road up the hill for approximately 2.75km. Look out for Whytbank Tower to your left almost hidden in the woodlands. This tower was built in the 16th century by James Pringle, ancestors of the Pringle family who today own Torwoodlee and Buckholm Estates. There are pleasant views of the hills around Galashiels to the north and east as you ascend. 2. At a fingerpost you be will guided right, along a track towards Torwoodlee Mains. Go through three gates on this track before reaching a Y-junction. Take the right hand fork here. This track winds its way up through a young scot’s pine woodland. You will get pleasant views down to the Gala Water as you ascend. Follow the track for 1.5km until you reach a junction that looks over Torwoodlee Golf Course on your left. Take the track to your right, with the golf course behind you, towards the farm buildings. 3. This track is set between fields looking over to Torwoodlee Mains on your left. When you reach the farm buildings follow the signs through the farm steading that lead you on to a well maintained track. 4. You will have to go through several gates on this stretch so please leave them as you find them. Torwoodlee is a working farm so please be considerate when there are farm operations occurring at the time of your visit. Sections of this track may be muddy as the cattle and sheep have feeding stations along this section. This track will lead you straight back to your starting point at Hillend. If you would like to extend your walk: You can follow the old railway line then follow the pavement up to the bottom of Torwoodlee House’s drive. You can follow the drive until the waymarkers take you left up to Torwoodlee Tower or further on to meet Torwoodlee Circular. You will join the Torwoodlee Circular at the gate that leads into the golf course.

Clovenfords

Towns & Villages

Clovenfords is a small village 4 miles west of Galashiels.