A varied walk starting from Melrose and climbing through newly planted woodland and farmland to tranquil Cauldshiels Loch before descending to the River Tweed which is followed back to Melrose. The route passes Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, which could be visited as a detour.
Town streets, minor roads no pavements, riverside paths.
Bus to Melrose.
Melrose Abbey (car parking opposite).
Start from Melrose Abbey where there is a large (pay and display) car park adjacent. The Abbey is an impressive ruin with some parts dating from the 12th century. It was home to the first Cistercian monastry in Scotland and suffered a number of attacks from the English, most notably from Richard II in 1385 which resulted in an almost total re-build, most of the rose-stone abbey seen today dates from after 1385. Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried in the chapter house and the abbey is famous for its stone carvings which include lute-playing angels, demons and hobgblins and a pig playing the bagpipes. To start the walk head south up Abbey Street to reach the Market Square. Cross the square and pass to the left of the library, soon turning right towards Melrose Station. Follow the surfaced path to pass the old station building and follow the path along the old railway line.
Cross over one minor road and continue on the line. When the path reaches an underpass go through this under the by-pass and follow the road, passing the Borders General Hospital. After almost 1km turn left onto a track leading to Rhymer's Glen and just before the area of newly planted trees, turn right onto a grassy track. At the top of the glen the path crosses a small hillfort to reach a gate. Turn right after the gate and keep the wall on your right to reach a gate leading to Cauldshiels Loch. Folklore states the Loch is home to a water kelpie, a spirit in the form of a water horse which would lure maidens to a watery grave. Follow the path along the water's edge until you turn right onto the Borders Abbey Way to reach a car park.
Go through the car park and follow the track down to the road and turn right. There are good views of the Eildon Hills ahead. Turn left at the junction and follow this until a T junction where you turn left to pass a farm before descending to the A7 at Abbotsford. The house was the home of novelist Sir Walter Scott and is worth a visit if time allows. Otherwise cross the road and head down the track, turning right onto a path just before the river and heading under the bypass.
Turn left onto a surfaced path for a short distance before continuing on a grassy path at a bend, soon bearing left to rejoin the riverside. The Redbridge Viaduct can be seen ahead, turn left onto a path to pass under the viaduct and continue along the riverside in front of Lowood House. The red sandstone of Lowood Bridge can be seen ahead before the path goes through some woodland before turning left onto a drive to reach the main road.
Cross the road and head right on the pavement before branching left onto a path once more. This passes Skirmish Hill where two powerful groups of nobles fought over the then 14 year old King James 5th. The route now follows a lovely grassy riverside section shared with the Southern Upland Way. Continue along the river, ignoring the shorter routes into Melrose, to pass the Chain Bridge. Continue ahead on the track and turn right at the road to reach Melrose Abbey.
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