The best walks and hikes around Ettrick And Yarrow

There are over 30 hiking trails in Ettrick And Yarrow, offering a diverse range of experiences from gentle riverside strolls to challenging hill climbs. The region features a variety of landscapes, including river valleys, lochs, woodlands, and moorlands.

Yes, Ettrick And Yarrow offers several easy walks suitable for families. You'll find paths through woodlands and along river valleys that are less strenuous. For example, the Bowhill Estate offers miles of tracks through stunning woodland settings, and the Ettrick Marshes feature accessible boardwalks for a unique floodplain forest experience.

Yes, the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys are known for their circular routes. The region offers 19 circular routes, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. A popular moderate option is The Three Brethren loop from Three Brethren Carpark, which leads through moorland to historic cairns.

Yes, the Southern Upland Way, a long-distance trail described as a 'wild and undiscovered coast-to-coast challenge,' passes through the Ettrick And Yarrow area. Sections of this trail offer excellent walks and views of both the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys.

Hikers can discover a variety of natural attractions. The spectacular Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, a 200ft cascade at the head of the Yarrow Valley, is a significant highlight. You can also explore the serene St Mary's Loch and the Loch of the Lowes, or enjoy panoramic views from summits like Dun Rig Summit.

Many walks in Ettrick And Yarrow incorporate sites of historical significance. You can find evidence of the region's turbulent past with numerous Tower Houses, standing stones, and Bronze Age settlements. Notable historical sites include Kirkhope Tower, Blackhouse Tower, Dryhope Tower, and Newark Castle Ruins, many of which are accessible via walking routes.

The trails in Ettrick And Yarrow are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil lochside paths to challenging hill climbs, and the peaceful, often undiscovered nature of the region.

The diverse habitats of Ettrick And Yarrow support a rich array of wildlife. You might spot various birds like siskin, crossbill, woodpeckers, buzzards, and even golden eagles or ospreys around St Mary's Loch. Mammals such as red squirrels, roe deer, otters, foxes, and badgers also inhabit the valleys.

Yes, for experienced trekkers, there are challenging climbs and high-level walking experiences. The 'Ettrick Head Horseshoe' offers splendid views, and Dun Rig, at 744m, provides extensive vistas. A difficult route to consider is the Dun Rig & Black Law loop from St Mary's Loch, which covers over 33 km with significant elevation gain.

While public transport options are limited in this rural area, some local bus services connect larger towns in the Scottish Borders to parts of the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. It's advisable to check specific routes and timetables in advance, as many trailheads may require private vehicle access.

Parking is generally available at key trailheads and popular starting points for walks. For instance, there is a dedicated car park for The Three Brethren loop. Many routes starting near villages or attractions will have designated parking areas, though these can be small in more remote locations.

The best time to hike in Ettrick And Yarrow is typically from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear and experience due to potentially challenging conditions like snow and ice.