Local Walks
Use this location map to select a walk, print a detailed route map for navigation, and find other useful information (car parks, waypoints, etc)
The elevation profile for each route will indicate how strenuous the walk will be
Our community is located between the Lammermuir hills and the Tweed Valley (Merse), and there are many pleasant walks in and around the area. The 210 mile long distance coast to coast route, the Southern Upland Way, passes about 7 miles north of Gavinton. It runs through Lauder, Longformacus, Abbey St Bathans, and on to the coast at Cockburnspath. The 30 mile Berwickshire Coastal Path runs from Cockburnspath via St Abbs Head and Eyemouth to Berwick-on-Tweed. Links to several walking websites are given below
A selection of 27 local walks is shown on the location map here, with links to detailed route maps for each walk (example here) to print out for navigation, and the location of car parks. You can also choose an aerial (satellite) view of the map. The walks range from 3-13 miles, some circular, and others between two points. Some of the longer linear walks have two route maps (parts 1 and 2). Route descriptions are available for some walks. If you enjoyed any of these walks, we would welcome a review with a few photos to post in a ‘walks review’ section. Please email your reviews (here), and remember to include the name of the walk. Suggestions for new walks are also most welcome
For those with smartphones, route waypoints for each walk are available to download (GPX files) to a suitable navigation app (such as OS maps). The smartphone, used as a SatNav, provides an excellent navigational aid, and (once downloaded) doesn’t require a mobile signal or consume valuable data. Remember, a paper map (printout) is an essential backup. A portable phone charger and compass are also advisable.
The 27 walks in our map have been drawn from the following public sources:
- Walks in the Lammermuirs – useful leaflet of paths and map (project)
- walkhighlands – walks around Eyemouth, Duns and Coldstream
- Southern Upland Way (SUW) – the whole route, including our area
- Berwickshire Coastal Path – coastal walk from Cockburnspath to Berwick on Tweed; useful leaflet here (Borders Council)
- SUW short walks – detailed leaflet on walks on the eastern section of the SUW; map of all walks on page 3, and walks in our area (#30 to #35) on pages 46-54 (Borders Council)
- Walks-Scottish Borders – some walks in our area
- Border Brains Walks Berwickshire – leaflet on walks associated with five famous Berwickshire geniuses
- Duns area – leaflet on paths around Duns (Borders Council)
- Ordnance Survey – ‘routes/discover routes’ to find local walks
- SBC has useful information on walks in the Borders, and beyond
- Walking World – 42 walks in the Scottish Borders, but not many locally (£1.95/walk, or £18 annual subscription)
- Walking routes (and cycling) – in Scotland and elsewhere in UK
SBC maintains a directory of local paths, including some which are signposted and protected. In our area, many of these paths are on quiet, local roads. Two maps of the designated core path network for our area are here and here. Core paths in the eastern Borders are shown on this map
The Scotland’s Great Trails website contains information on long distance trails throughout the country, including the Borders,. These range in length from 24-210 miles
Paths for All is another useful source of information on walks and related activities
The Scottish Outdoors Access Code explains how to explore and enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors in a safe and responsible way
Heritage Paths
The Heritage Path Project has a wealth of information on the old paths of Scotland, including many in the Lammermuirs such as the Herring Road. Use this map to find out more about these old paths
Archaeology
Information on archaeology in the Lammermuirs is on this page of the website
Birdwatching
Here is some information on birds to be found in the Scottish Borders, and local places to see them
Download this free app on your phone on ‘Where to watch birds in Scotland’: here
Cycle Trails
There are four signposted cycling trails around Duns, shown on this location map. Select a trail, print a route map for navigation, and find other useful information (description, waypoints, etc)
The elevation profile for each route will indicate how strenuous the ride will be
These trails range from 4.5 miles to 25.5 miles on mostly quiet roads, and are suited to family groups and inexperienced cyclists
Cycling trails in the eastern Borders are shown on this map
Easyriders has lots of useful information on cycling in the Borders: videos, routes, clubs, etc
SBC has useful information on cycling in the Borders here, including mountain biking. Scotland Starts Here includes many cycling routes in southern Scotland here
Cycle hire and repair can be found in Galashiels, Jedburgh, Peebles and Innerleithen. There is a cycle repair shop in Kelso
Sustrans is the custodian of the National Cycle Network, including over 2,000 miles in Scotland. Pocket-sized cycle maps are available, including ‘North Northumberland & the Scottish Borders’ and ‘Lanarkshire & the Scottish Borders‘ (both maps cover the 250 mile ‘Borderloop’)
This map shows the National Cycle Network
This map shows most cycle routes in UK
Cycle routes – in Scotland and elsewhere in UK
Use this route planning website to plan cycle trips
Golf
Check this website for details of golf clubs in the Scottish Borders
Horse Riding
Check this website on horse riding in the Scottish Borders
National Parks
Check out the 15 national parks in Great Britain here and here, and walks and cycle trails in the Cairgorms national park here
There is an ongoing campaign for a Scottish Borders National Park, with details here