The Smailholm Walk

Work on upgrading Smailholm Walk will begin on 4th October 2021.  This first phase of the work will concentrate on trying to improve the drainage on the path running north from Eden Road, down to the grass road to the point where there is a spur leading north towards Mellerstain.  The walk will be closed for the duration of the work, and Scottish Borders Council will put up signs to that effect.  At present we aren't sure how long it will take, but we don't expect it to be more than a few days.  The part of the walk which comes out on the Kelso road, south of the Old Manse, also needs serious upgrading and we will continue to seek funding for this much larger piece of work.

In 2007, as a spin off from work being undertaken by Kelso Paths Group, it was decided to create a new footpath on the north east side of the village.  Much of the route already existed, but with the help of grants amounting to around £16000 from Awards for All, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Borders Council, a better walking surface was created.  The walk is a circuit,  giving beautiful views over the surrounding countryside, and usually takes under an hour.  

The Walk needs lots of people walking it to keep the vegetation down, and maintain it as a community asset.

For the energetic, a longer circular walk of about 9 miles, going by Smailholm Tower and New Smailholm Farm, is shown on the map below.  The terrain consists of farm tracks and short sections of  "B" class roads, and is suitable for walking, cycling or riding.  Please note that the route passes through two working farms, where there may be moving vehicles and livestock.  Some sections, where there are cattle, are unsuitable for dog walking.

Parking is available at the Village Hall as long as there are no events on, please phone Brian on 01573 460254 to check.

Copies of the maps are available for downloading below.