10 Walks from Gorebridge Station (Full Booklet)
The book describes 10 walks, all starting at Gorebridge Rail Station. Nine of the walks are circular in nature, finishing at the station so no transport other than feet is required. Newbattle Abbey (walk 5) finishes at Eskbank Rail Station where you can catch a train back or walk a little further to the Tesco
Supermarket and catch bus.
Walk 1 Newbyres Circular
Newbyres Castle was built in the middle of the 16th Century by Michael Borthwick of Glengelt. In its heyday it was a substantial vaulted, tower house, surrounded by a courtyard. The walls of the castle were demolished by the Council for public safety in 1963. Today only a fragment of the southeast
corner of the original L-shaped tower survives. As a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument Newbyres Castle is in the care of Historic Scotland.
Walk 2 Fushiebridge Circular
This walk is all on metalled roads, through woods and open countryside. There are some interesting and historic buildings on the way, including the old mill at Catcune. It is suitable for buggies.
Walk 3 Suzie Dean Circular
Although this is a relatively short walk it has all the elements that make Gorebridge a great walking town. Suzie Dean is a path taken by the miners when they travelled to and from the pit. From the path through the woods to open countryside, the views are wonderful over the Pentland and Moorfoot HIlls. The walk along Barleyknowe Road allows views of the Edinburgh landscape and over the Forth to the Fife hills. Suzie Dean path can be muddy and care is needed to cross the wee burn by the stepping stones. Children will enjoy this walk.
Walk 4 Borthwick Circular
This circular walk takes you through fields and by the Gore Water so it can be very muddy at times. There are also some fences to climb along the way. The way back from Borthwick is on metalled roads, quiet country lanes with little traffic and no pavements so care is required. The route takes you up to the entrance to Borthwick Castle.
Walk 5 Gorebridge to Newbattle Abbey College
The route from Gorebridge takes you across the fields to the Old Cockpen Church, on to Dalhousie Castle Hotel and along narrow paths to Newbattle Abbey. We are suggesting you go on through the woods to Hardengreen where you can catch the train back to Gorebridge at Eskbank Station or buses 29 or 39 from Tesco. The first section to Dalhousie Castle can be very muddy.
Walk 6 Newtongrange Circular
Taking the cross country route to NittenbytheBing involves tracks through fields so this is potentially a muddy walk, especially in winter and after rain. Having said that, the views are amazing and walking along hedges is a sure way of getting close to birdlife. The National Mining Museum is a great half way stop with cafe and toilet facilities. There are regular buses from Newtongrange to Gorebridge if you want to avoid the hill, or you can travel one stop on the train. There is a path linking the museum to the station, turn left as you pass round the large red gates.
Walk 7 Edgehead Circular
Partly on metalled roads and partly on paths and tracks, this route to the picturesque village of Edgehead passes through lush farmland and offers panoramic views over the Firth of Forth to Fife, to Berwick Law and East Lothian, the Lammermuir Hills and, of course, the Pentlands. The tracks and paths can be very muddy. There is a perfect picnic stop in the park as you reach Edgehead village.
Walk 8 Gorebridge Circular
The Gorebridge Circular route was instigated by Gorebridge and District Environmental Group (GADEG). You will be walking on paths through fields and woodland, seeing some impressive views of Midlothian. There are some hills on the way and stout boots are essential, especially if it’s been wet. There are often cows in the fields. The route is signed with Gorebridge Circular Walk signs and little green arrows. There are several points of interest along the route including Aldersyde house, the former home of author Annie S. Swan at Robertsons Bank.
Walk 9 Temple Circular
Temple was named for The Knights Templar who were based here from the 12th century until they were suppressed in the 14th century. In 1312 the land at Temple was given to the Knights of St John in Jerusalem and the residents of Temple gave them a tenth of their income.
Walk 10 Vogrie/Crichton Castle Circular
This circular walk is for the more experienced walker as it involves walking over fields, crossing stiles, narrow muddy paths and some steep ascents and descents on stepped paths. The terrain can be very muddy and there will be animals in some of the fields. The views en route are quite spectacular and
photographers will especially love this walk with its combination of scenery and historic buildings.
