Venlaw and Soonhope

A short circular with a big punch (it feels longer than it actually is) in a popular glen in Peebles due to great views south over to Hundleshope Heights; includes a short steep climb and descent.

Look out for the eccentric line of holiday huts on the east side. You may choose to do the longer Venlaw circuit which also follows good tracks through forestry.

From the East Stationcar park turn left along Edinburgh Road for about 300 metres. Take the first right up Venlaw High Road. Before reaching the first houses on your right veer left on to the forest track and continue further into Venlaw Woodland. Above a quarry, where the rock, known locally as whinstone, was the source of much of the building stone used in Peebles, the track opens out before turning north above Soonhope Glen.

From here the track leads onto open ground which has been planted with a variety of smaller trees and (nature note) voles can be seen running in the rough grass. The small mammals in turn will attract birds of prey like buzzards, owls and kestrels. Before reaching Glenbield Kennels a finger post leads you right down a steep grass slope to Soonhope Burn. A seat has been provided for your leisure from where you can take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views south to Hundleshope and Glenrath Heights.

At the base of this slope you cross Soonhope Burn over a sleeper bridge. Go straight up the hill to reach the track that runs down the east side of the glen. Turn right on to this track to return to Peebles. The small chalets that you pass were mainly built in the post-war period by ex servicemen and their families. This phenomenon occurred around Britain. The ‘hut’ owners would pay the landowner a small rent for these which were similar in set up to beach huts. They have become an idiosyncratic part of Britain’s social history.
You will also get a good view of Peebles Hydro built in 1881 to a design by John Starforth. This French Renaissance style building in red sandstone with many turrets burned down in 1905. The architect for the present building was James Miller who designed the Turnberry Hotel. Hydropathic hotels were very fashionable in the early 1900’s, visitors were encouraged to take the local waters as a curative for various real or imaginary ailments. In 1939 the 11/2nd Scottish (renamed 23rd Scottish) General Hospital was deployed to Peebles Hydro. The medical wards were in marquees erected on the putting green.

At the main road turn right and right again at the roundabout to return to the car park.