Harestanes to Melrose

Summary

The second stage of the Scottish National Trail follows the line of Dere Street - an old Roman Road - for many miles before passing through two villages separated by a strech along the mighty River Tweed. LThe route then climbs over the distinctive Eildon Hills before descending to the stunning Abbey and stone buildings of Melrose. This stage - like the first - follows the cross markers of St Cuthbert's Way throughout.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Farmland, riverside and open country paths, quiet roads.

Getting there

Start

Harestanes Centre car park.

Public Transport

Bus at junction of B6400 with A68, 15mins from Harestanes. Bus to/from Melrose.

Start Grid Ref

NT641244

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Services

Harestanes has a seasonal cafe but no accommodation; there is a pub and B&B available in Ancrum 1.5km away. The route passes through St Boswells (13.5km) and Newtown St Boswells (16.5km) which both have pubs, accommodation and a shop. The stage ends in Melrose which has all facilities.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.1km / 15 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 408m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From the steading complex and cafe at Harestanes, begin along the entrance drive to the north, taking the path that runs parallel to the road on the right hand side. The path turns right through the trees before the B6400. At a junction turn left (St Cuthbert's Way) to reach the B6400, and go straight across, continuing on a path through the trees and over a couple of footbridges. Go straight across a minor road and ahead up the field with a wall on your right. You are now following the course of the Dere Street Roman road, which once linked York with the Firth of Forth.

Stage 2

After about 2.5km Lillard's Cross can be visited by a detour through a gate with an information board on the left. This is reputedly the grave of a young woman who died in the Battle of Ancrum Moor - part of an effort by Henry VIII to force Scots to accept a marriage between his son Edward and Mary Queen of Scots. The route continues always directly ahead, passing between lines of trees and through fields. After a woodland section the route finally runs parallel to the busy modern A68 before emerging on a minor road. Turn right along the latter, reaching a t-junction with the A699 after 1.5km. Turn right here into Maxton, then take the next left onto a minor road, going left at the end to pass to the left of the lovely Maxton Kirk.

Stage 3

After passing the church turn right onto a path through the woods, crossing boardwalks and streams and keeping straight on over a track. Finally the path descends steps down to the River Tweed and follows it upriver. It passes the Crystal Well - behind it is a well preserved building which was used by as a horse engine - mules walked round and round instead to power the pumps that fed fresh water to nearby Benrig House in the mid 1800s.

Stage 4

At Mertoun Bridge the path climbs up to cross the road (but not the bridge), continuing upriver beyond. Continue along the riverside path as the Tweed curves round to the left, then diverts from the river to run along the left edge of a golf course. Eventually it turns left uphill along a track past the clubhouse. Take the next right turn onto Braeheads Road and then a left to reach the main road through the centre of the village of St Boswells. Turn right along the main street. Pass the Coop, public toilets and the post office before turning right onto Hamilton Place. Turn right at the t-junction, looking out for a left to regain a path through the woods beside the River Tweed. This is a beautiful stretch of the walk, continuing upriver across the water from Dryburgh Abbey.

Stage 5

After a suspension bridge (do not cross) the path climbs higher above the Tweed, before leaving the river to head through the woods, crossing a stream and passing underneath the main A68 road. Continue along a lane into Newtown St Boswells, turning right when a road is reached then immediately left down another lane. This leads down to the main road; go straight across between a stone building with a clock and a warehouse. Pass under the railway line, following the minor road until Whitelee Farm. Where the road bends left here, go straight ahead on a path. Keep following the markers, bearing right at a fork and crossing a bridge before continuing straight ahead until another road is reached at a bend. Here turn right to head into Bowden. Turn right at the main road then immediately left by the octagonal building. Fork right to head through a play area and onto a grassy track/path.

Stage 6

This eventually swings left before the route bears right through a small wood. Cross a track and then follow the waymarkers to the right, then left up through Broad Wood. Eventually the broad path leaves the trees and continues to a the bealach (or saddle) between the Eildon Hills on either side.

Stage 7

Unless intent on climbing to any of the summits (the hill to the west - Mid Eildon - being the finest viewpoint), follow the marked trail as it bears right downhill across the slope towards Melrose. When fields are reached the path continues downhill between a fence and a hedge. Keep straight ahead, crossing a low stile and eventually descending wooden steps to emerge between houses on Dingleton Road. Turn right along this, passing under the bypass, to reach the square at the heart of this picturesque market town.

Next stage: Melrose to Innerleithen

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