Tweedbank Park and Gunknowe Loch

A good route for a short walk from Abbotsford to observe the ducks and swans on the Loch. Abbotsford was the home of Sir Walter Scott.

His estate is one of the most significant designed landscapes in Scotland, laid out between 1811 and 1825. Many of the paths through Abbotsford are just as Scott designed and laid out in late Georgian times.

1. From the Abbotsford car park follow the sign for Tweedbank heading away from the visitor centre along the tarmac path down through the grass field towards the main road and roundabout.

2. Cross the road with care and bear right keeping to the pavement as it descends gradually towards the loch in Tweedbank (Gunknowe Loch).

3. Beyond the bus shelter bear left and follow the path as it heads towards Gunknowe Loch and continue around the edge of the Loch. The loch is an excellent place to watch the behaviour of gulls, ducks, geese and swans. The mute swans are resident all year round and seem to rely on the public feeding them. Mallard duck are also always present and the black and white male tufted ducks can usually be seen diving for their food.

4. At the path junction bear right and continue past the play park.

5. At the path crossing turn left and continue along the path ignoring a path leading off to the left. The wooded areas around Tweedbank also attract many different birds such as siskin, long tailed tit and redwing.

6. At the path junction bear right, at the next path junction turn right and keep to the path as it turns left following the Borders Abbeys Way (BAW) between the houses and the river.

7. Continue along the path to the main road, turn left and follow the pavement alongside the road to the roundabout. Turn right, cross the road again with care and retrace your route to the car park.

8. Alternative Finish: 20 metres before the road bears right and follow the BAW under the road bridge on a track as it descends. At the track junction turn left and head uphill towards the visitor centre. At the visitor centre turn left to take you back to the car park. (This alternative route follows a rough track which can be muddy at times).