The Minch Moor Trail

A circular forest route with big hills.

This starts from the minor road on the south bank of the River Tweed, just west of the bridge crossing the river at Walkerburn; signed Elibank and Traquair Forest. The route begins as a wide forest road. There is a steady climb through spruce trees, then a gentle descent to open country, with a view of Innerleithen. Turn right at the first T junction. There are good views of the River Tweed through gaps in the trees, then a descent.

At the bottom bear left at a junction to climb again, the village of Traquair below on the right. You cross the Southern Upland Way (thistle emblem), then there is another drop to a sharp bend; keep left here. Following this there is another rise, another descent, then a short climb to a wide area for forestry vehicles to turn. Turn left at the bike route sign, leaving the forest road. You may need to get off and push. After a short way there is another bike sign where you turn left, climbing steeply. This is definitely for walking, but after 25 metres bear right (sign), and you will be able to ride again.

After this the path follows a dyke north through the forest, to the summit of Minch Moor. The top of the hill is visible some way off. At the top the panorama of the rolling Border hills is visible all round. The three bumps to the east are the Eildon Hills.

Following this there is another descent to rejoin the Southern Upland Way. Turn right (east) here, to follow the ridge route until you meet a forest road. At this point turn left (north) to zoom down the hill again towards the River Tweed. Turn right at the first junction halfway down the hill, left at the next, then keep left by Bold Burn to rejoin the public road at four wooden forestry houses. To return to your starting point turn left up the minor road. To do the route in the reverse direction you of course start at the four wooden houses.