Here are a good selection of walks with varying degrees of difficulty all within the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, Scottish Borders. Just click on each link to view and download the walk.
1. Ettrickbridge Village Walk
1 mile, 50m climb. Grade: Easy
This is a pleasant circular walk around the pretty village of Ettrickbridge. Takes you past the door of the Cross Keys Inn.
2. Ettrickbridge Circular via Kirkhope Tower
3 miles, 130m climb. Grade: Easy/Moderate
An interesting walk passing the tower that was the stronghold of ‘Auld Wat’ of Harden. For detailed map, see Walk 1.
3. Ettrickbridge Circular via Howford Hill and Helmburn Hill
4 miles, 130m climb. Grade: Easy/Moderate
This walk offers good views over Selkirkshire, Ettrick and the Eildon Hills. For detailed map, see Walk 1.
4. Yarrowford Circular via Broadmeadows and the Three Brethren
5 miles, 350m climb. Grade: Moderate
A steady climb to the Three Brethren which provides excellent views on a good day.
5. Yarrowford Circular via Minch Moor, Brown Knowe, Three Brethren and Broadmeadows
10 miles, 450m climb. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous
This is an exhilarating walk that follows two old drove roads, with fine views. For detailed map, see Walk 4.
6. Dryhope Circular via Blackhouse Tower and Craig Douglas
6 miles, 100m climb. Grade: Moderate
This is a relatiely easy walk with good paths that includes two historic towers, Blackhouse and Dryhope.
7. The Lochs Walk, Bowhill Estate
2 miles, 25m climb. Grade: Easy
A leisurely walk, on the level, around two pretty lochs on the Bowhill Estate.
8. The Lady’s Walk, Bowhill Estate
2 miles, 25m climb. Grade: Easy
A pleasant stroll along the Yarrow Water to Newark Tower before returning to Bowhill House. For detailed map, see Walk 7.
9. The Duchess’ Drive, Bowhill Estate
7 miles, 300m climb. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous
Originally designed as a carriageway this is a good walk, through woodland and over moorland, with excellent views on a clear day. For detailed map, see Walk 7.
10. Ettrickhead Horseshoe
10 miles, 620m climb. Grade: Strenuous. Not recommended in poor weather conditions.
Covering 5 summits this is splendid high-level walking with spectacular views.
11. White Shank, Capel Fell and Ettrick Head Shorter Circular
6.5 miles, 440m climb. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous. Not recommended in poor weather conditions.
A shorter walk to Ettrick Head than Walk 10 but still quite demanding. For detailed map, see Walk 10.
12. Ettrick Head, Wind Fell, Hopetoun Craig and Ettrick Pen Circular
6.5 miles, 400m climb. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous. Not recommended in poor weather conditions.
Ettrick Head and Pen, passing Over Phawhope Bothy, with great all round views. For detailed map, see Walk 10.
13. Tibbie Shiels Circular via Pikestone Rig and Loch of the Lowes
5 miles, 250m climb. Grade: Moderate
This is a good walk with beautiful views, following good paths and tracks, and returning along the banks of the Loch of the Lowes.
14. Yarrow and Ettrick Circular via The Captain’s Road and Riskenhope
13 miles, 470m climb. Grade: Strenuous
This is a circular walk between the two valleys used by Sir Water Scott and James Hogg. Favoured by drovers taking cattle south. You can start from the Yarrow or Ettrick Valleys. For detailed map, see Walk 13.
15. Ettrick Circular via Southern Upland Way and The Captain’s Road
10 miles, 340m climb. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous
This is a good walk starting from Ettrick, with paths that are clear and easy to find. Pleasant views of Ettrick and into the Yarrow Valley. For detailed map, see Walk 13.
16. Tima Circular via Gamescleuch Tower and Burn
4 miles, 130m climb. Grade: Easy/Moderate
The Ettrick Marshes are one of the best examples of floodplain forests in the UK. There is a unique mosaic of floodplain woodland, meadow and wetland habitats allowing a rich variety of wildlife to flourish and remnants of ancient forest can be seen.
17. Ettrick Marshes and High Conifer Forest Route
5 miles, 120m climb. Grade: Moderate
This is quite a challenging walk which combines the Ettrick Marshes, high conifer forest and pretty Gamescleuch Linn. For detailed map, see Walk 16.
18. Ettrick Marshes Hut Circle
1 mile, 15m climb. Grade: Easy
The Hut Circle is a short, interesting walk into the marshes area walking on duck boards and passing the site of hut circles, the earliest form of habitation in the Ettrick Valley. For detailed map, see Walk 16.
19. Tima Loop
0.5miles, 15m climb. Grade: Easy
This is a very pleasant short walk, ideal for small children where you should particularly look out for red squirrels. For detailed map, see Walk 16.
For a full list of walks in the Scottish Borders including Borders Abbeys Way, Cross Borders Drove Road, Roman and Reivers Route, St Cuthberts Way and Southern Upland Walk, please see the Scottish Borders Council Walking section.