Duns Law, Castle and Hen Poo, Duns

Summary

This straightforward walk leads through the grounds of Duns Castle and includes the relatively easy climb to the top of Duns Law as well as a peaceful woodland stroll. There are views over the town of Duns and to the Cheviots, and a chance to feed the ducks and other wild fowl in the Hen Poo, a former curling pond. Duns hosts stages of the Jim Clark Rally and the walk passes the door of the Jim Clark room which contains memorabilia of the World champion racing driver who won 25 Grand Prix.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Woodland paths, tracks, road and pavements. Woodland paths can be muddy. Waymarked in places with yellow arrows.

Getting there

Start

Newton St car park, Duns.

Public Transport

Bus to Duns.

Start Grid Ref

NT783541

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 120m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

The descent route described from Duns Law (Stage 3) currently has many fallen trees. This can be avoided by heading back down from Duns Law the way you came before turning right to Hen Poo.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

There is a car park in the centre of Duns, off Newtown Street (A6105) next to the Co-op, the entrance is opposite the police station - there is also parking in the town square and a walkway up to the car park. Start by leaving the from the top of the car park and turn right and then left into Castle Street. Cross and continue head when the main road curves right following the signed road for Duns Castle Estate. Go through the archway on the right into the grounds of Duns Castle. Almost immediately take the steps on the right to climb up through the edge of the wood. Follow the sign for Duns Law Fort and Covenanters Stone and go throught the gate into a field and the summit of Duns Law at 218m. Ahead to the right is a viewpoint with information about the fort and views over Duns and south to the Cheviots.

Stage 2

Head north from the viewpoint for a short distance to reach the Covenanters stone. This marks the spot where, in 1639, General Sir Alexander Leslie and his Covenanter Army raised their standard. It is also possible to determine the outline the old Duns Law settlement and fort. Return across the field to the same gate from the field.

Stage 3

Rather than descend by the same route turn immediately right after the gate and follow this path through the trees, keeping right at two forks. This heads downhill in the trees and then bears right near the top of a field to eventually reach a metal farm gate. Go through this and head diagonally left, keeping to the left of the gorse, to cross the grazing land downhill towards the loch known as the Hen Poo. This ancient curling pond is the home to many wild fowl, and Duns Castle is visible overlooking the water. Turn right along the road away from the castle, crossing a cattle grid and keep left when another road leaves to the right, and follow the track as it winds round the bottom of the Hen Poo.

Stage 4

After the bottom of the Hen Poo is crossed turn left to continue round the far side of the loch. Soon the track passes a wildlife hide. At a crossroads junction continue ahead and keep straight on to pass Duns Castle on your left. Keep straight ahead when a road leaves to the right (signed for some estate cottages) and eventually emerge onto the A6105.

Stage 5

Turn left to follow the pavement back into Duns passing between the primary and high schools. Stay on the main road and you will pass by the Jim Clark Room which contains a collection of memorabilia, trophies, awards and photographs to the memory of a great motor racing World Champion and winner of 25 Grand Prix Races. Turn right opposite the police station on Newtown St to return to the car park or continue ahead to the right onto Langtongate to reach the town square.

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