Walking

Bowhill has 5 waymarked trails which vary in distance and terrain. Whether you are looking for a challenging walk up into the hills or a leisurely stroll in the woods, we will have a walk to suit your needs. Before you set off we would encourage you to go into our visitor centre  to pick up a leaflet on your chosen route, or why not print off a leaflet below.  This will provide you with a map of the route as well as recommended places to stop and take in the spectacular views.

Duchess's Drive leaflet

Duchess's Drive, Distance 7 Miles.
Moderate/strenuous on forest tracks. Ascend through the beautiful woodlands before taking in the wonderful views of the Borders from Fastheugh and Newark hills. A stunning route.

Lady's Walk leaflet

Lady's Walk, Distance 2 miles.
Moderate on single track paths, short climbs and muddy in places. A lovely trail alongside the Yarrow water which passes several points of historic interest on the way.

Bell o' the Woods leaflet

Bell o' the Woods, Distance 1 mile.
Singletrack path, muddy in places with a short but sharp ascent. This is a lovely short trail that winds its way through the mixed woodlands Bowhill is renowned for.

Lochs Walk leaflet

Lochs Walk.
If you are only doing one short walk when you visit Bowhill, this should be it. Take in Bowhills upper and lower lochs for stunning views of the landscape, woodlands and Bowhill House, the jewel in the crown of the estate.

Tree Trail Leaflet

Tree Trail: Distance 2 miles

On the 2 mile long trail, visitors will be led to 16 trees within the hugely diverse and beautiful woodlands of Bowhill. The trees range from the young but very rare Wollemi Pine to three spectacular Beech planted by Anne Scott, 1st Duchess of Buccleuch. As the trail winds its way through the woods, visitors will be offered spectacular views over the house, lochs and surrounding landscape of the Ettrick Valley once part of the royal hunting forests of the Kings of Scotland.

Successive Dukes of Buccleuch have built an internationally renowned reputation for their tree and woodland management and continue to make a major contribution to forest research and tree conservation across all the Buccleuch properties.

The Buccleuch family have and continue to care for the woodlands of the estates with passion, respect and responsibility .With the trail highlighting a tiny sample of the huge diversity of trees on the estate, it is hoped that visitors of all ages will be inspired to explore and better appreciate some of the hidden gems of Bowhill that in the words of the 9th Duke of Buccleuch, ‘refresh the soul of man’.