The Duchess's Drive, Bowhill

This walk follows the route of a Victorian Carriage drive and provides some of the feeling of space, openness and views of hillwalking whilst having an easy track underfoot. The route lies on the Bowhill Estate and there is a charge for admission at certain times of the year.

Terrain

Good tracks throughout, both in the forest and on the exposed moorland above.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus stop is Selkirk rugby ground.

Start

Bowhill car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the official car park for Bowhill Estate, just beyond the back of the great country house. The walk is waymarked with yellow arrows; begin by continuing up the tarmac lane that led to the car park, then forking right onto a track into the woods. Keep ahead at the next junction and then bear slightly right at the following fork. Soon the route passes a stone seat, carved with the letters BQ - which stand for the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury, owner of the estate.

Stage 2

Continue up the track through the plantation, going straight ahead at a crosstracks and leaving the forestry at a gate. The drive now continues onto the open moor. Carriage drives were intended for the estate owners and their guests to enjoy the views - a function that this one still provides today. Continue up the main track as it climbs up the moorland with an ever improving prospect when looking back - the triple summits of the Eildon Hills being prominent. Look out also for the stone mile marker posts beside the track.

Stage 3

At a fork bear right to pass through a gate and continue on the now grassier track. The route climbs up to a saddle between Fauldshope Hill and Fastheugh Hill and reaches a line of well constructed grouse butts. Pass through the gate to continue on the main track which now curves to the right to pass around the northern side of Fastheugh Hill.

Stage 4

A stone seat gives the opportunity to enjoy the fine views northwards over the Yarrow valley. Continue on the main grassy route as it now heads northeast and passes through another gate. It rises slightly towards Newark Hill (note the prominent cairn further along the ridge - a good viewpoint) before bearing left - through yet another gate - and descending gently to reach the top of the plantation of Black Andrew Wood. Head into the trees and follow the track down to a t-junction; bear right here.

Stage 5

Keep straight ahead at another junction; the end of the drive is finally reached at a tarred estate road. Turn right and follow the road; at a junction it turns left to reach the imposing ruin of Newark Castle or tower. This imposing ruin was built in 1423 and belonged to the Douglas family, though it was later gifted to the Scotts. In 1645, following the Battle of Philliphaugh in the Covenanter's wars, 100 prisoners were slaughtered in the courtyard. Shortly after the castle there is the option to bear left downhill to a house before following the Yarrow downstream along the route of the Lady's Walk; however the quickest route is to stay on the estate lane.

Stage 6

Continue along the lane until it reaches a junction with another estate road. Turn left here past the cottages, and continue until the drive up to Bowhill House is reached. Turn right to head up this and keep straight on - passing the rear of the massive Bowhill House - to return to the car park.

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