The best hikes from bus stations around Kirkhouse Forest
4.5
(97)
1,535
hikers
22
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Kirkhouse Forest offer access to a landscape characterized by varied woodland, gentle hills, and meandering streams. The area provides a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, with elevations like Dod Hill offering expansive views across the rolling terrain. Newhall Burn adds a water feature to the hiking experience.
Best bus station hiking trails around Kirkhouse Forest
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Innerleithen High Street – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
103
hikers
5.66km
01:59
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
20
hikers
17.0km
04:54
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
28.7km
08:04
550m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This excursion from the Southern Upland Way and the Cross Borders Drove Road is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see the hills surrounding the Tweed and Yarrow valleys. It's a special feeling, standing in a place where travelers, shepherds, and (Roman) armies passed through centuries ago.
0
0
Lovely town in the Scottish Borders with the best pies from Forsyths
1
0
From this viewpoint near Minch Moor summit, you are afforded wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders region, with the Tweed Valley stretching out before you. You may also spot towns and villages such as Peebles and Innerleithen nestled among the greenery.
1
0
Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. It proudly states on a sign outside that it has been visited by 27 Scottish kings and queens since it was built in 1107. It's a magnificent building with equally magnificent gardens. You can access the house from the road here, but do keep in mind it is only open to the public seasonally, between March and October. You can find information on prices and daily opening times here https://www.traquair.co.uk/visitor-information/
1
0
This lovely piece of architecture is the gatehouse to Glen House, a classic Scottish estate hidden in the hills of the Scottish Borders. The estate dates from the 13th century, but the present Glen House was built in the mid 19th century. You can't fully access Glen House, but there is a road a couple of hundred metres to the east that is accessible to the public and goes very close to the magnificent building, so you can get a closer look.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available around Kirkhouse Forest?
There are over 20 bus-accessible hiking trails around Kirkhouse Forest, offering a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. These routes start directly from public transport stops, making it easy to explore the Scottish Borders car-free.
Are there easy bus-accessible hikes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Kirkhouse Forest offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Innerleithen Golf Club – Leithen Water Swimming Spot loop from Innerleithen is a gentle 5 km walk with minimal elevation gain, providing a pleasant stroll along the water.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus-accessible trails near Kirkhouse Forest?
The trails around Kirkhouse Forest immerse you in a tranquil mix of coniferous and deciduous woodlands. You'll also encounter gentle hills, meandering streams like the Newhall Burn, and the broader scenic landscapes of the Scottish Borders. Some routes offer panoramic views across the rolling terrain.
Are there any circular bus-accessible routes?
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes around Kirkhouse Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same public transport stop. An example is the Innerleithen High Street – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen, which offers a moderate 5.6 km circuit.
Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible hiking trails?
Many trails in the Kirkhouse Forest area are dog-friendly. However, always keep your dog under control, especially near livestock or wildlife, and follow local signage regarding leash requirements. Remember to carry waste bags and dispose of them properly.
What are the longer, more challenging bus-accessible hikes?
For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Peebles Town Centre – Riverside Path loop from Innerleithen offer a more demanding experience. This difficult 28 km route features significant elevation changes and requires good fitness and sturdy footwear.
Are there viewpoints accessible from bus stops?
Yes, some trails lead to rewarding viewpoints. While specific named viewpoints might require a bit more hiking, the general topography of the region, including Dod Hill and the Minch Moor Summit Trail (though not directly listed as bus-accessible in the provided data, the region research mentions it), suggests opportunities for expansive views across the rolling terrain of the Scottish Borders.
What do other hikers say about the bus-accessible trails around Kirkhouse Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.45 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diversity of trails, and the convenience of accessing these beautiful natural areas via public transport.
Are there any routes that follow water features?
Yes, you can find trails that meander alongside water features. The Newhall Burn, for instance, adds a soothing auditory element to the hiking experience. The Innerleithen Golf Club – Leithen Water Swimming Spot loop from Innerleithen specifically highlights a swimming spot along Leithen Water.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails?
Kirkhouse Forest and its surrounding trails are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers longer daylight hours, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, crisp atmosphere. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, especially in colder months.
Are there any short, easy walks for a quick outing?
Absolutely. For a shorter, more relaxed walk, consider the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Tweed Valley Railway Path loop from Innerleithen. This easy 3.5 km route is relatively flat and perfect for a quick escape into nature.
Are there places to eat or drink near the bus-accessible trailheads?
Many of the bus-accessible routes start or pass through towns like Innerleithen, where you can find local cafes and pubs. For example, the Innerleithen High Street – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen specifically mentions a café, indicating amenities are available nearby.
Most popular routes around Kirkhouse Forest
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
