Section 4: Innerleithen to Walkerburn

The connection between river and community is felt more strongly than ever on this short but heritage-rich section of the Tweed.

Section 4: Need to know

Distance/time: approx. 2 miles/1 hour

River Grading: Level 1

Start point: what3words: envelope.carpeted.raced

End point: what3words: toast.mirroring.roughness

Facilities: Exit via the rocky beach (river left) before Walkerburn Bridge. Caberston Farm Coffee Shop is located on the high street (A72) just a five-minute walk away. A small post office/village store can be found just along the street.

Public transport: Borders Buses operates a regular service (X62) between Walkerburn, Peebles and other local towns and villages.

Section snapshot

The passage of river out of Innerleithen is one of the most captivating along the route, framed by Lee Pen to the left and the old hunting grounds of Traquair Forest on the right.

Just a few paddle strokes beyond Tweed Bridge, stick to the main channel of river as it bends to the right and passes the pebbly confluence of the Tweed and Leithen Water. Nearby is the outflow of the Mill Lade (or ‘the Dam’), a channelised waterway that once powered more than a dozen waterwheels in the town.

Approaching Walkerburn, the river sinks into a widening valley floor beneath the gaze of Pirn Craig to the north (known locally as ‘Rocky’) and Plora Wood to the south, one of the few semi-natural oak woodlands in the Scottish Borders. There is a cauld (weir) a little outside Walkerburn that is barely noticeable in normal river conditions but requires caution when the water is low. If unsure, it is easy enough to avoid (get out river left).

Like Innerleithen – now reinvented as an outdoor activity hub – Walkerburn owes much to the textile industry that once thrived here. Purpose-built for mill workers, the village’s tiered housing took advantage of the sun and also reflected the social elevation of its occupants. It’s also a popular spot for fishing so be mindful of anglers on the approach to the village, and increasing numbers downriver from here to the end of the trail.

Walkerburn is a tranquil place to pause and refuel if energy levels have dipped. A characterful farm cafe is just a few minute’s walk from the river’s edge, with a rocky beach (river left) just before the bridge at Walkerburn marking the get-out point for the end of this section and onward travel to the cafe or local towns and villages.

Image credits: Allan Wright; Ian Linton Photography