4.5
(167)
2,279
hikers
78
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Elibank And Traquair Forest traverse a diverse landscape within the Scottish Borders, characterized by extensive woodlands, rolling hills, and the meandering River Tweed. The area features a mix of coniferous and ancient forests, with some routes offering views from open hillsides and along burns. Elevations vary, with Middlebar Knowe reaching 528 meters, providing varied terrain for hikers.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.7
(3)
8
hikers
12.8km
03:39
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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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.
5.0
(1)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
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The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
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Connecting the 7 staines. You can bike from Walkerburn, Innerleithen and Glentress on this path.
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Beautiful views over the local town - great spot for a rest, pictures and to admire the landscape.
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Long and steady, but always a manageable gradient.
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The River Tweed, or Tweed Water (Scottish), is a river 97 miles (156 km) long that flows east across the Scottish Borders and into northern England. Tweed is an Old Celtic name meaning "border" and tweed cloth derives its name from its association with the river, on account of the hundreds of mills powered by the river at one time. The Tweed is one of the great Salmon rivers of Europe and generates a large income for the local Borders region, attracting anglers from all around the world. It is one of the best Salmon rivers in Scotland.
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There are nearly 80 hiking trails accessible directly from bus stations around Elibank And Traquair Forest, offering a wide range of options for car-free adventures. These include 30 easy, 41 moderate, and 7 difficult routes.
Yes, Elibank And Traquair Forest offers numerous easy routes perfect for families, many starting conveniently from bus stops. These trails often feature gentle terrain through woodlands and along rivers. An example is the Innerleithen Golf Club – Leithen Water Swimming Spot loop from Innerleithen, which is an easy 5.2 km walk.
Many of the bus station accessible routes in Elibank And Traquair Forest are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without needing additional transport. For instance, the River Tweed loop from Walkerburn is a moderate 12.8 km circular hike offering scenic riverside views.
The trails accessible from bus stations in Elibank And Traquair Forest showcase the region's diverse landscapes. You can expect to traverse dense woodlands, rolling hills, and open hillsides. Many routes follow the meandering River Tweed, offering picturesque riverside paths. Some trails also lead through ancient woodlands and offer views of features like the Old Peel Road.
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are 7 difficult routes available from bus stations. These often involve more significant elevation changes and longer distances. A moderate option that provides a good workout is the No1 Peebles Road Café – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop from Innerleithen, covering 17 km with over 400 meters of ascent.
Many trails offer glimpses of the region's history and natural beauty. You might encounter the ruins of Elibank Castle, visible from certain viewpoints like the View of Elibank Castle. Other highlights include the historic Old Peel Road and the beautiful Bluebell Woods on the Tweed Valley Back Road, especially vibrant in spring.
Generally, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails in Elibank And Traquair Forest. However, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Many trails accessible from bus stops are suitable for walks with your canine companion.
Elibank And Traquair Forest offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings vibrant bluebells and fresh greenery, while autumn is spectacular with changing leaf colors and active red squirrels. Summer provides longer daylight hours, and even winter offers crisp, quiet walks, though some paths may be muddy or icy. Always check local conditions before heading out.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 160 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, the diverse scenery ranging from riverside paths to hill views, and the convenience of accessing trails directly from public transport stops, making it easy to explore without a car.
Yes, several bus-accessible trails are located in or around Innerleithen. For example, the Innerleithen High Street – No1 Peebles Road Café loop from Innerleithen is a moderate 5.7 km route that starts and ends in the town, offering a convenient way to explore the local surroundings.
While Elibank And Traquair Forest is adjacent to the renowned 7stanes mountain biking trails at Innerleithen, walkers are generally advised to avoid dedicated bike trails for safety. However, some hiking routes, like the Innerleithen XC Trail – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop from Walkerburn, might offer views or pass near areas popular with cyclists, such as the Innerleithen XC Trail.


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