The best walks and hikes around Reston And Auchencrow

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs. However, you'll be passing through farmland with livestock and a National Nature Reserve with sensitive wildlife. Always keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially near farm animals and during bird nesting season (spring and early summer) along the coast.

The region is excellent for loop trails, especially along the coast. For a longer, more challenging circular route, consider the St Abb's Head Viewpoint – St Abb's Head Lighthouse loop from Coldingham. It offers a comprehensive tour of the headland's dramatic scenery over approximately 12 kilometers.

Absolutely. The area offers many gentle options. The walk around Mire Loch within the St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve is a popular choice for families, offering a flat path and serene scenery away from the cliff edges. Many of the paths through the farmland surrounding Reston and Auchencrow are also relatively flat and suitable for all ages.

Reston has a train station, making it accessible via the main East Coast rail line. From there, local bus services can connect you to nearby villages like St Abbs and Coldingham, which are the starting points for many coastal hikes. Be sure to check bus timetables in advance as services in rural areas can be infrequent.

For coastal walks, the main car park is at the St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which is the most convenient starting point for many trails. The village of St Abbs also has parking, though it can get busy. For inland walks, you may find limited on-street parking in villages like Auchencrow and Reston; please park considerately.

St. Abb's Head is a highlight for wildlife watchers. The cliffs are home to large colonies of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. You might also spot seals on the rocks below. Inland, the countryside and the banks of the Eye Water offer chances to see farmland birds and other local fauna.

Yes, you can plan a walk to include a stop for refreshments. In Auchencrow, The Craw Inn is a historic coaching inn perfect for a post-hike meal. The nearby villages of St Abbs and Coldingham also have cafes and pubs that are popular with walkers coming off the coastal path.

The two areas offer very different experiences. The coastal paths around St. Abb's Head are defined by dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and bird colonies with clear, well-trodden paths. In contrast, the Lammermuir Hills provide a sense of remoteness with rolling moorland, quieter valleys, and less-defined trails, ideal for those seeking solitude and more rugged hillwalking.

Yes, you can combine hiking with history. A walk in the countryside south of Auchencrow can take you near the site of the historic Billie Castle. For a more substantial historical hike, you can explore the area around Edin's Hall Broch, an Iron Age defensive tower with an associated loop trail a short drive away.

The trail network is quite varied. You'll find a large number of easy, relatively flat routes suitable for beginners, particularly around the villages and some parts of the coast. There are also plenty of moderate trails, like the View of St. Abbs Harbour – Coldingham Sands Beach loop from St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which involve more distance and elevation gain along the coastal path.

There are over 50 curated hiking routes around Reston and Auchencrow available on komoot. They range from short, easy strolls through the countryside to more demanding full-day hikes along the Berwickshire coast and into the Lammermuir Hills.

The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the abundance of wildlife at St. Abb's Head, and the peacefulness of the inland agricultural landscapes.