This waymarked circuit from the old village of Eddleston visits the impressive Barony Castle - a hotel - and the Great Polish Map of Scotland before looping through the woods and fields with views across to the Moorfoot Hills.
Bog Factor
Undulating woodland and field paths, tracks and minor roads.
On street parking in Eddleston village.
Bus to Eddleston from Edinburgh and Peebles.
NT242471
If arriving by car, park on the street in Eddleston, either on Station Road or Old Manse Road, both of which branch west from the main A703. Begin the walk by heading up the driveway towards the Barony Castle Hotel from where these two streets meet. Just before reaching the gates of the hotel (as the building comes into view) the Barony circuit forks right, but firstly continue up to the hotel itself. The castle - also known as Black Barony - was extended in the 18th century from an original 16th century tower house, and became a hotel early in the 20th century.
To visit the Great Map of Scotland, pass to the left of the main hotel building, then turn left through a gate and down a flight of steps. Cross a footbridge high above the water, then on the far side go straight across a gravel track to reach the map. The massive map - cast in concrete - is though to be the largest outdoor relief map in the world. Built in the 1970s the map was conceived by Jan Tomasik, the then owner of the hotel. It has been undergoing restoration in recent years, and a viewing platform gives a better overview of the whole thing.
Retrace your steps back past the hotel to the gate, and now turn sharp left to get back on the route of the signed Barony circuit. Continue up the lane until a sign, behind a tall metal railing, indicates a path to the ice house through the trees on the right. The path climbs up and then swings left. Note the old ice house for the Castle on the left- it was built in 1789.
Continue up the beautiful tree-lined path to reach a gate. Continue through, following the path on a more open section and then more woodland. Keep right at a fork above a seat.
Finally another gate is reached with a junction of tracks beyond. Turn sharply right onto a descending track, signed Eddleston via Darnhall. The track leads down to a gate and then continues downhill through open pastures, with good views of the Moorfoot Hills across the glen. At the farmyard at Darnhill Mains go through the gate and turn right. The track passes through the farmyard and swings left to pass the house and descend towards the busy A703 road from Edinburgh to Peebles.
Cross the road with care and take a path directly opposite. This gives access onto the old road which is parallel to the new one; turn right along it. It meets a minor road at a sharp bend - go straight ahead here. This road leads past some cottages, continues past a private sign (for traffic only) and returns to Eddleston village.
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