Attractions and Places To See around Borders Forest Park - Top 12
Best attractions and places to see around Borders Forest Park are found within the Scottish Borders, an expansive area primarily focused on forestry and outdoor recreation. This region offers a diverse range of experiences, from ancient woodlands and challenging trails to historic landmarks and serene natural features. Visitors can explore various forests like Tweed Valley Forest Park, which includes Glentress and Cardrona, or discover historical sites such as Castle Knowe. The park provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and appreciating…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Newcastleton Trails
Highlight • MTB Park
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Kershope Burn
Highlight • River
The river rises, as Clark's Sike, in a marshy area in Kielder Forest Northumberland …
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Welcome to England Bridge and Picnic Area
Highlight • Bridge
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Descent through Borders Forest Park
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Scotland–England Border at Newcastleton
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Very fast decent , watch for the sharp left through woodland to Newcastleton
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The Kershope Burn is a quiet stream that forms the border between England and Scotland for its entire length. It rises as Clark's Sike in the marshy Hobb's Flow in Kielder Forest, flows past Kershopehead farm, and empties into Liddel Water at Kershopefoot. The burn is a natural boundary, used for centuries as a divide between kingdoms.
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The border is located here on Kershope Burn, so you're standing on the bridge. Coming from England, the road will now follow the border on the Scottish side for quite a while. Reivers and NCN10 cross this road.
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A beautiful, steady descent suitable for the whole family that winds through the Borders Forest Park amongst stunning woodland scenery.
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Kershope Burn is a burn running in its entirety along the border between England and Scotland. The river rises, as Clark's Sike, in a marshy area in Kielder Forest Northumberland known as Hobb's Flow, before becoming Kershope Burn after running by Kershopehead, a farmstead in Cumbria. The river runs into Liddel Water at Kershopefoot, after which Liddel Water marks the boundary between England and Scotland. The final few metres of the river flow past the hamlet at Kershopefoot and underneath the railway bridge of the former Waverley Line. Between 1862 and 1969 a passenger station variously known as Kershope or Kershope Foot was located here.
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Not ideal for road bikes but if you have got this far well done! Sorry I couldn't change the highlight. Most other bikes with wider tires would reach this far from the sealed road to the West. A nice place to stop for a rest or for the evening. If travelling Route 10 from West to East, this appears at the end of the forestry track before you turn back over the river into England and up a short steep section of single track to rejoin the forest road in Kielder Forest. Access to the river is a bit better here than further West and if continuing it is the last good source of water before you arrive at Kielder after another few miles. I chose to continue on as there was nowhere to hang my hammock but there was easily enough room for a few tents.
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The trails officially start in the centre of the village of Newcastleton. If you haven’t got a van or camper it’s not the best place to be getting changed after a muddy/wet ride. Your better off parking somewhere more discreet if this is the case as the trails are still worth a visit even in the wet.
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The Newcastleton Trails are part of the internationally renowned 7 Stanes network of trails in Scotland. Here you'll find both blue and red routes, as well as the Cross Border Trail bridleway which is a humble but beautiful way to pass between Scotland and England over moorland and forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for mountain biking in Borders Forest Park?
The Borders Forest Park is renowned for its mountain biking opportunities. You'll find world-class trails at Newcastleton Trails, which are part of the famous 7stanes network and offer blue and red routes. Other areas like Glentress, Caberston, and Innerleithen within the Tweed Valley Forest Park also feature excellent 7stanes trails. For more options, explore the MTB Trails around Borders Forest Park guide.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit in the area?
Yes, the region has several historical points of interest. You can visit the Scotland–England Border at Newcastleton, a significant historical marker on Kershope Burn. In Cardrona Forest, you'll find the foundations of Castle Knowe, an Iron Age fort dating back 2,000 years. The ancient Glenkinnon Oak, over 500 years old, is another natural landmark with historical significance.
What natural features can I explore in Borders Forest Park?
The park is rich in natural beauty. The Kershope Burn is a quiet stream that forms a natural border between England and Scotland. You can also experience the serene woodland scenery during a Descent through Borders Forest Park. The Tweed Valley Forest Park, encompassing areas like Glentress, Cardrona, and Yair, offers ancient woodlands, the impressive Glenkinnon Oak, and views across the River Tweed.
Are there family-friendly activities or trails available?
Absolutely. The Descent through Borders Forest Park is described as a beautiful, steady descent suitable for the whole family. Glentress Forest offers walking trails alongside its mountain biking routes, and Glenkinnon features a family-friendly Biodiversity Trail. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Borders Forest Park guide, which includes routes like the Newcastleton Woodland Walk.
Where can I find easy walking trails in Borders Forest Park?
For easy walks, consider the Priest Hill loop in Newcastleton Forest, which offers panoramic views, or the Newcastleton town loop. The Glenkinnon Biodiversity Trail is also a gentle option. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Borders Forest Park guide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The diverse woodlands and natural habitats of Borders Forest Park support various wildlife. Glentress Forest is known for wildlife watching opportunities, and Cademuir Forest is rich in birdlife. Cardrona Forest is home to a bat colony in Cardrona Tower. Keep an eye out for local fauna while exploring the trails.
Are there any trails that cross the border between Scotland and England?
Yes, the Cross Border Trail is a bridleway that allows passage between Scotland and England over moorland and forest, starting from the Newcastleton Trails area. You can also visit the specific Scotland–England Border at Newcastleton, located on Kershope Burn.
What are the options for gravel biking in the area?
The Borders Forest Park offers excellent terrain for gravel biking. Routes like the Kershope Burn Border Crossing loop from Newcastleton provide a moderate challenge. For more extensive options, including routes that venture towards Kielder Water, consult the Gravel biking around Borders Forest Park guide.
Can I find picnic spots or places to rest along the trails?
Yes, there are places designed for rest. The Welcome to England Bridge and Picnic Area is a good spot to stop for a rest or even for an evening break, offering access to the river. Many trails also feature scenic viewpoints where you can pause and enjoy the surroundings.
What is the Tweed Valley Forest Park and how does it relate to Borders Forest Park?
The Tweed Valley Forest Park is a significant component of the broader Borders Forest Park. It comprises several distinct forests, including Glentress, Cardrona, Glenkinnon, Yair, Cademuir, Thornielee, Caberston, and Innerleithen. It's known for its extensive recreational facilities, particularly mountain biking and walking trails, and is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland.
Are there any ancient trees to see?
Yes, the Borders Forest Park is home to some impressive ancient trees. The most notable is the Glenkinnon Oak, located in Glenkinnon, which is believed to be over 500 years old. This ancient tree is a highlight along the family-friendly Biodiversity Trail.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Borders Forest Park?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from the thrill of world-class mountain biking at Newcastleton Trails to the tranquility of woodland walks. The historical significance of sites like the Scotland–England Border at Newcastleton and the natural beauty of the Kershope Burn are also highly valued. The Descent through Borders Forest Park is often highlighted for its beautiful, family-friendly woodland scenery.
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