Section 5: Walkerburn to Glenkinnon

Look out for the ruins of a 16th century castle – and some lively waters – on this beautiful stretch of the Tweed. There’s a site of special scientific interest to explore at its finish, too.

Section 5: Need to know

Distance/time: approx. 7 miles/3 hours

River Grading: Level 1

Start point: what3words: toast.mirroring.roughness

End point: what3words: rules.tapers.clashing

Facilities: Parking and wild camping at Glenkinnon Community Woodland. Please exit at the way marker (river right), 50m before the first house on the riverbank. If you reach the house (and Glenkinnon Burn), you’ve gone too far. Head up the slipway and turn left along the B709 for 100m. Note that there are NO facilities at Glenkinnon Community Woodland – paddlers should follow guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for wild camping, including responsible toileting. Please also respect the natural environment and local community by placing all litter in the bins provided.

If travelling by car, traditional pub food and a warm welcome awaits at The Clovenfords Hotel, just a five-minute drive away.

Public transport: Borders Buses operates a regular service between Galashiels, Peebles and other towns and villages on the canoe trail route (X62). The closest bus stop to Glenkinnon is at the Nest Roundabout, over Ashiestiel Bridge towards the A72. This is a busy section of road so take care if passing on foot.

Section snapshot

Leaving Walkerburn, trees close in on both banks as the river carves its way between Elibank and Thornielee forests.

Look to the right and a break in the canopy reveals the ruins of Elibank Castle, a 16th century tower house with commanding views across the Tweed Valley. Make sure to read up on the quirky story of Muckle-Moothed Meg – the sorrowful tale of the daughter of the Murrays of Elibank is legendary around these parts.

And the grassy slopes on the opposite side of the river are also renowned. During warmer months, the meadows that lie below Thornielee Forest are a hotspot for some of Scotland’s rarest butterflies, including the Small Copper and Northern Brown Argus.

Back on the water, things get a little frothy in the lead-up to Glenkinnon and the graceful arch of Ashiestiel Bridge. A little preparation, perhaps, for what’s to come downriver at Yair Bridge.

Before the bridge, look out for the wooden way marker (river right) denoting the official get-out point of Section 5. Boats can be lifted up the slipway to the car park 100m away at Glenkinnon Community Woodland (signposted at the top of the slipway) or secured at riverside anchor points. Whether wild camping at the site, or just enjoying a stretch of the legs among the protected woodland, do explore the enchanting biodiversity trail which begins with the 500-year-old Glenkinnon Oak in the forest car park.

Image credits: Marc Marshall Photography; Ian Linton Photography