Walking from Innerleithen
Caddon View is set in an excellent location for walks of all grades around Innerleithen. From the short and gentle forest walks to a days hillwalking over the Minch Moor, we have listed a few here to whet your appetite but can supply you with more routes upon your arrival.
Walkerburn, Glenbenna, Minchmoor circuit
This walk is fairly energetic and will take the best part of a day but it starts and finishes at Caddon View so there is no need for any additional transport. Start by following the Tweed to Walkerburn admiring the pools of the famous Upper Caberston salmon fishing beat. Then find your way to Glenbenna where you follow forest roads up to the Southern Upland Way. Beautiful views into the Ettrick Forest are revealed as you crest the ridge. Follow the Southern Upland Way, over drove roads used in the past by armies, cattlemen and even the odd highwayman. England’s Edward I came this way during his invasion of Scotland in 1296, and after the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645 another war leader, James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, crossed the route to Traquair House, seeking shelter from his enemies. Detour to the summit of Minch Moor for yet more views, and don’t forget to leave an offering for the fairies at the Cheese Well. The route back crosses mountain biker territory, and then goes into woodland trust land as a change from the forestry plantations. We have detailed route cards available at Caddon View. It’s a full day, but a great day.
Innerleithen to the Tibbie Shiels Inn (or vice versa)
You can walk this route in either direction – but you’ll need a car or taxi to the start or from the finish as public transport is non existant in this remote area. My preference would be a walk to the Loch Tibbie Shiels before a taxi back to Innerleithen, and it would be great if the pub was to reopen, so you could have a refreshing pint as a reward for your labours, but sadly it is currently shut. Leave Innerleithen, and then follow the Southern Upland Way. At Fethan Hill you can see down to Glen House, the birth place of Captain John Porteous, who met a grisly fate in Edinburgh. At Blackhouse, you can see the Blackhouse Tower which was built in the late 16th Century. It was once owned by the Douglases, notably Sir James Douglas, who fought many a skirmish against the English, and always makes for a nice spot to stop off for a break. You head towards Dryhope and will see Dryhope Tower. This ruin was built in the sixteenth century, and was once inhabited by Walter Scott of Harden. The walk ends along the shore of the beautiful St Mary’s Loch then the welcome sight of the Tibbie Shiels In comes into view.
Kirnie Law and Priesthope
Initially along forest tracks past an Iron Age hill fort, climb up through forest plantations until you emerge onto heather moorland where you are greeted by the sight of a large concrete water tank. Now disused, this is the top reservoir for (apparently) Britian’s oldest pumped storage power station. Take in the views of the surrounding hills from Kirnie Law and you’ll realise just how many places there are to climb in this part of the Borders. The route then heads to the abandoned steading of Priesthope, and from there you’ll return to Innerleithen via Walkerburn and the Tweed.