This route combines the longer forestry trails at Cardrona. After an initial zig-zag ascent there's a stunning view up the Tweed Valley. The route then passes the remains of Cardrona Tower and an iron age fort site before a lengthy return through dense conifers on Pikes Knowe.
Bog Factor
Waymarked forest paths throughough.
Cardrona forestry car park.
None to start; nearest bus Cardrona, 1km away.
NT292384
This walk begins from the Forestry and Land Scotland car park at Cardrona; there are toilets and a parking charge. Begin the walk along the path waymarked in all colours, passing to the right of the loos. Just before it emerges on a track, turn left over a footbridge. On the far side go left and then immediately right onto the path that climbs through the forest. It makes a series of zig-zags on the ascent until it finally emerges at a forestry track. Turn left along this; you are following the yellow waymarkers at this point.
There are great views through the trees on the left up the Tweed Valley, especially from a bench at a bend after 400m. Bear right here to stay on the main track.
The track climbs steadily, passing a small quarry. After around 750m there's a junction with paths going off on either side. Our route continues straight ahead along the track, but if you wish to visit the ruins of Cardrona Tower you need to detour down the path to the left for about 150m. The sixteenth century ruin was once one of a string of tower houses along the valley; it is in a dangerous state.
Back on the main track, continue uphill, passing a picnic bench. You are now following the brown markers. After 500m the waymarked path turns off to the right. It climbs and then emerges in a more open area, which it gradually curves round to the left. A short detour to the left leads up to the remains of the Castle Knowe Hill fort, which dates back to the iron age. Many of the stones were robbed to build the modern sheepfold within. Return to the waymarked path, soon descending into the trees.
The path emerges onto a forest track - turn right along this. Keep right at a junction of tracks, and later ignore an unmarked path off right. At the next track junction, turn right onto a path, still following the brown waymarkers. The path leads through dense forestry, relenting at one point to visit the substantial old stone cairn at Pikes Knowe.
Further on a path junction is reached. The path off right links back to the outward route above Cardrona Tower; to continue the brown route, bear left. Pass through a gate, still staying on the brown route. At the next junction ignore the left branch (purple) to make a more direct zig-zagging descent, although the two routes rejoin further down. Beyond this the route descends to a gate and then reaches the track where the outward route is rejoined. Go straight across here to retrace your steps down the zig-zags back to the start.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
