The best walks and hikes around Heriot

Yes, the area offers several gentle walks suitable for families. For a shorter outing, the Portmore Reservoir – Portmore Loch Woods loop from Eddleston is an excellent choice, taking you through scenic woodlands. Another great option is the Path Along the Stream – Vogrie House loop from Crichton, which is a relatively flat and enjoyable trail for all fitness levels.

For experienced hikers seeking a strenuous day out, the Moorfoot Hills provide a significant challenge. The Hirendean Castle Ruins – Blackhope Scar loop from Eddleston is a demanding trek of over 17 km with considerable ascent, rewarding you with a sense of remoteness and expansive views across the heathery landscape.

Many trails in the Heriot area are great for walking with dogs, especially through the woodlands and around the reservoirs. However, please be aware that the Moorfoot Hills are used for sheep grazing, so you must keep your dog on a lead, particularly during lambing season (spring). Also, be mindful of ground-nesting birds in moorland areas.

There are over 40 curated hiking routes around Heriot available on komoot. These range from 17 easy walks perfect for a gentle stroll to 3 difficult hill climbs for seasoned adventurers, ensuring there's a trail for every ability.

The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community, with more than 900 hikers having explored the region. Reviewers often praise the variety of terrain, from the peaceful paths around Gladhouse Reservoir to the wild, open spaces of the Moorfoot Hills.

Yes, loop trails are very common around Heriot. Many routes are designed to bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. A popular moderate circular walk is the Hirondean Castle & Gladhouse Reservoir loop, which combines historical ruins with beautiful waterside scenery.

The landscape is classic Scottish Borders: expect rolling, heather-clad hills in the Moorfoots, which can be boggy in places. You'll also find large, scenic bodies of water like Gladhouse Reservoir and Portmore Loch, often surrounded by quiet woodlands. Trails vary from well-defined paths to pathless, open moorland on the higher routes.

For the most expansive views, you'll need to gain some elevation in the Moorfoot Hills. Routes that ascend peaks like Blackhope Scar, Bowbeat Hill, and Dundreich offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside, rewarding the strenuous climb.

Heriot is a small, rural village, and public transport options are limited. Reaching the trailheads, especially those around Gladhouse Reservoir or deeper in the Moorfoot Hills, is most conveniently done by car. It is recommended to check the latest bus schedules for services to the Scottish Borders and plan accordingly, as you may need a taxi for the final leg to your starting point.

The weather can change quickly. Waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, as are sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, since the ground can be very boggy and uneven. For longer routes in the hills, a map, compass, and GPS device are crucial, as many sections are pathless. Always carry enough water and food.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the best conditions with longer daylight hours and generally drier ground. The hills are particularly beautiful in late summer when the heather is in bloom. Winter hiking can be challenging due to snow, ice, and shorter days, and should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped walkers.

Gladhouse Reservoir is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a fantastic location for birdwatching. It's known for attracting large flocks of pink-footed geese in the winter, and you might even spot nesting ospreys during the summer months. The surrounding woodlands and hills are also home to a variety of local wildlife.