River Tweed and Lees circuit, Coldstream

Summary

Follow the banks of the River Tweed which forms the Scottish - English border with a chance to spot heron, oystercatchers, cormorants as well as fisherman and leaping salmon. Part of the route uses water dykes constructed by prisoners during the Napoleonic war. Toilets at start, cafes & shops in Coldstream.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Riverside and woodland paths and tracks. Can be muddy in wet weather.

Public Transport

Bus to Coldstream.

Start

Home Park car park, Coldstream. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 8m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT840396

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Start from the Home Park car park just off the main street towards the western end of Coldstream. Leave the car park and go back onto the main road and turn right. Cross the road and just before the bridge turn left down steps. Turn right to cross the Leet Water and turn left onto a path. Ignore the footbridge and follow the path up steps and keep left with good views to Coldstream on the left. The path nearest the river becomes overgrown and hard to follow so continue until a concrete track and turn left along it.

Stage 2

Where the concrete path turns right continue ahead on a gravel track towards the river. This track then continues round to the right where the Leet water runs into the Tweed and runs along the tops of the river dykes - now grassy raised paths. As you turn right to follow the river you can look back to enjoy a fine view of Coldstream which dominates the river. Follow the river with a fishing hut on the opposite bank.

Stage 3

At a signpost for Cornhill Bend Duddo Mouth you can either stay straight on the dyke top or you can take the rough path that runs to the river bend as this route does. It is a short diversion that takes you closer to the river but it does take you over some rougher ground. The path rejoins the dyke and continue following this along the river ignoring a grassy track to the left.

Stage 4

Just after the weir it is necessary to divert to the right following signs if the Lees fishing hut ahead is occupied and the gate shut. To do this follow the path on the right with the white railings and take the next left back through the trees to the river bank. If there is no fishing you can walk past the hut. Continue along the track and fork left onto a path staying closer to the river to soon pass the Lees Temple which was built for the Lees Estate during the late 18th century. Continue along the riverbank and at a signpost follow the white stone path signed for Coldstream. This crosses the lawn in front of Lees House; keep following the waymarked route, soon bearing right into woods.

Stage 5

The path passes an old ice house with a tree growing on top. Pass the tennis courts and turn left onto the main drive passing what used to be the estate stables on the right. Turn right at the lodge and main road to cross the bridge into town and return to the car park at the start.

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