Cessford Castle Ruins – Kale Water Footbridge loop from Morebattle

Bike touring routes & trails

Cessford Castle Ruins – Kale Water Footbridge loop from Morebattle

Moderate

riders

Cessford Castle Ruins – Kale Water Footbridge loop from Morebattle

01:28

22.1km

310m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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2.91 km

Cessford Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

Cessford Castle is a large ruined mid-15th century castle near the village of Cessford. It was built by Andrew Ker, an ancestor of the 1st Earl of Roxburghe. The Kerr family built Floors Castle.

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3.80 km

Cessford Castle is an atmospheric ruin that was built in the 15th century by the Kerr family. The tower house is heavily fortified with walls 13 feet (4 m) thick in places. The strong defences are partly due to the family trade. The Kerrs were notorious thieves and robbers in the lawless border region during this period. This line of work led to bitter feuds between other clans. However, the castle was also caught in the midst of border wars between England and Scotland.

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12.4 km

Whitton Loch

Highlight • Lake

The view from every angle is breathtaking

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14.1 km

View of Beirhope Burn Valley

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Easy walking on the very minor road linking Over Whitton and Sharplaw, with fabulous views over the valley of the Beirhope Burn.

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15.7 km

Hownam

Highlight • Settlement

20.0 km

Kale Water Footbridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is a wonderful place, a lovely, green spot. The bridge is surrounded by green trees and leaves, and it's easy, too, to go down to the pebbled bank of the river and have a rest there. Sitting there, you can listen to the murmur of the water look at the Cheviot in the distance through the gaps between the trees.

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21.9 km

Morebattle Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Morebattle Church is an attractive red sandstone parish church in a tranquil churchyard with fine views. A church was first recorded here in the 10th century. However, Henry VIII’s attempt to force Mary, Queen of Scots to marry his son resulted in it being torched in the 16th century. By 1757 the old kirk was ruined, and the present church was built.

Interestingly, this unassuming rural parish became notorious in 1725. The right of patrons to impose a minister on a parish regardless of the wishes of the congregation had been passed by the British Parliament in 1711. When the old minister died, his successor was unacceptable to the congregation. On induction day, many people occupied the church and refused to allow the clergy to enter, resulting in a battle in the churchyard. The congregation won on the day but lost the battle and the unwanted minister was eventually ordained.

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22.0 km