The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Elibank And Traquair Forest
4.5
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2,301
hikers
112
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Elibank And Traquair Forest traverse a landscape characterized by dense woodlands, including ancient pockets, set within the rolling hills of the Tweed Valley. The meandering River Tweed flows through the area, offering riverside paths and views from the hillsides. The region's terrain includes varied elevations, with hills like Minch Moor providing elevated perspectives.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Elibank And Traquair Forest
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Tweed Valley Railway Path…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
3.0
(1)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
13
hikers
7.78km
02:30
310m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
103
hikers
5.66km
01:59
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
29
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
20
hikers
17.0km
04:54
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This excursion from the Southern Upland Way and the Cross Borders Drove Road is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see the hills surrounding the Tweed and Yarrow valleys. It's a special feeling, standing in a place where travelers, shepherds, and (Roman) armies passed through centuries ago.
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The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
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From this viewpoint near Minch Moor summit, you are afforded wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders region, with the Tweed Valley stretching out before you. You may also spot towns and villages such as Peebles and Innerleithen nestled among the greenery.
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Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. It proudly states on a sign outside that it has been visited by 27 Scottish kings and queens since it was built in 1107. It's a magnificent building with equally magnificent gardens. You can access the house from the road here, but do keep in mind it is only open to the public seasonally, between March and October. You can find information on prices and daily opening times here https://www.traquair.co.uk/visitor-information/
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The clouds were very low when approaching Innerleithen early morning. The hill tops can not be seen. It is a nice sight to see
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Elibank And Traquair Forest?
Elibank And Traquair Forest offers a fantastic selection of routes for families. You'll find over 100 hiking trails in total, with nearly 50 specifically categorized as easy, making them perfect for family outings.
What makes the hiking trails in Elibank And Traquair Forest suitable for families?
The trails here are designed with families in mind, featuring manageable distances and gentle paths that are enjoyable for all ages. The diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to riverside paths along the River Tweed, offer engaging scenery without being overly strenuous. Many routes also provide opportunities to spot local wildlife.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Elibank And Traquair Forest?
The forest is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly lovely for family hikes. In spring, you might see bluebells in bloom and active young red squirrels. Autumn brings vibrant colours to the woodlands. Summer is also great for longer days, while winter offers crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy.
Are there any interesting landmarks or natural features to look out for on family hikes?
Absolutely! You can explore the Innerleithen XC Trail area, which offers varied terrain. Keep an eye out for the historic Old Peel Road, or enjoy the stunning Bluebell Woods on the Tweed Valley Back Road during spring. You might even catch a View of Elibank Castle from certain vantage points.
What kind of wildlife might we see while hiking with kids?
Elibank And Traquair Forest is rich in wildlife. Families often enjoy spotting red squirrels, especially active youngsters in autumn. Keep an ear out for red deer rutting on the higher hills. Birdwatchers might glimpse great spotted woodpeckers, buzzards, dippers along the burns, and various other bird species. Otters, foxes, and badgers also inhabit the area, though they are more elusive.
Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly trails?
Yes, many of the trails in Elibank And Traquair Forest are dog-friendly. It's a great place to enjoy a walk with your canine companion. However, please remember to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock or wildlife, and always clean up after them to ensure everyone can enjoy the natural environment.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Yes, there are several excellent circular routes suitable for families. For a moderately challenging loop with good elevation, consider the Kirnie Law loop, which covers about 7.8 km. If you're looking for something easier and closer to the river, the Tweed Valley Railway Path loop is a great easy option at around 6.4 km.
Where can we find parking for family-friendly hikes?
Parking is generally available at various access points and trailheads throughout Elibank And Traquair Forest. Specific parking details often accompany individual route descriptions on komoot. Many forest car parks are well-signposted and provide convenient access to the trails.
Is public transport an option to reach the trailheads?
While public transport options might be limited directly to some remote trailheads within the forest, local bus services often connect to nearby towns like Innerleithen and Walkerburn. From these towns, some trailheads may be accessible on foot or via a short taxi ride. It's always best to check local bus schedules in advance.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the family trails?
Yes, the nearby towns of Innerleithen and Walkerburn offer cafes and pubs where you can grab refreshments or a meal before or after your hike. For example, the Innerleithen High Street loop starts and ends near local amenities, including the No1 Peebles Road Café.
Can you recommend an easy, shorter family hike?
For an easy and relatively short family hike, the Tweed Valley Railway Path – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop is an excellent choice. It's about 6.4 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible for younger children and strollers.
What about a slightly longer family hike with good views?
If you're looking for a moderate hike with rewarding views, the Minch Moor Summit Trail loop from Innerleithen is a great option. At just over 10 km, it offers a good workout with around 426m of elevation gain, leading to elevated perspectives of the surrounding scenery from Minch Moor.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Elibank And Traquair Forest?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Elibank And Traquair Forest, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful woodland atmosphere, and the beautiful views over the Tweed Valley, making it a popular choice for family adventures.
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