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Section 6 - Longformacus to Cockburnspath
This last section is from Longformacus to Cockburnspath and is 16 miles / 26 km long. This is on mixed terrain with a few short sections of road work. The landscape changes markedly from moorland to coast.
The Way leaves Longformacus by the minor road to Whitchester and Ellem.
To the left of the road is the estate for Longformacus House. The
distance on the road is approximately a mile before crossing a stile on
the right hand side.
After leaving the minor road the Way climbs by the side of a field
before reaching higher and open moorland. There is a clear route along
a moorland track heading towards the corner of Owl Wood.
Owl Wood is to the north of the route then the way crosses to the north
side of a ribbon wood. As the route reaches the corner of this
plantation there are views west to the Cranshaws area and close to the
joining of the Whitadder and Dye Waters.
At the end of the wood the way zig zags past a Waymarker sign. Turning
to the right for a few metres takes the walker to a viewing point
above Commonside and here there are views on a
clear day south and west as far as the Eildons. The Way however heads north and left
at the waymarker and descends toward the B6355 Preston to Ellem and
Cranshaws road. Ahead the Way is clearly seen as it start its next
climb out of the valley.
Having crossed the road there is another incline then a walk across two
field before a steep descent by way of steps built into the hillside
just prior to entering Roughside Wood.
Roughside Wood consists mainly of conifer and runs on the hillside
to the east and south of the Whitadder Water. This is a pleasant and
main flat 2 km. track and as it starts to descend toward the river you
are almost certain to be confronted by endless grouse, clearly the
woods are used for breeding.
A further short section along the side of the river brings the Way into
Abbey St Bathans at the crossroads near to the church. This is a tiny
community although the needs of the long distance walker are recognised
with a walkers cottage located opposite the church and directly on the
route.
From hear the Way crosses the Whitadder River at a pedestrian bridge
built by the Gurkhas in 1987. Turn right down the
side of the river through ancient and attractive woodland. It is said
that in the Abbey St Bathans' wood there are almost a third of all the
oak trees in the whole of the Border Council countryside.
Just after crossing a small burn the way meets a ford and further
pedestrian bridge. Turn left and to the north following the Whare Burn
soon reaching Edgar's Cleuch and Blakerstone Moor. To the north are
again the Lammermuir Hills with Heart Law and
Bransly Hill ahead and Spartleton slightly to the left. The track is
clearly defined between fencing and runs in a straight line before
turning right across a wide open pasture.
The route is now almost due North over the field, shortly the stone
cairn is a prominant feature to head for. But be aware that this whole
grazing area can be exceptionally wet and muddy, a section that most
are happy to leave behind as they reach the corner of the wood and a
farm track.
The route is now back onto grass or farm track before reaching a
minor road that runs down ultimately to a junction with the A1
Edinburgh to Newcastle Road. The sound of traffic is heard before the
road is visible and just behind in the East Coast Mainline Railway
track.
Take care with the crossing of the A1, then heading north the way
soon bears to the east and over the railway line into the start of the
Penmanshiel Forest.
The forest track is first an ascent through a pleasant mixed wood,
however the views are constantly changing as the softwood firs grow at
a fast rate. As the way reaches its highest point the Sea can
be seen for the first time due north. On a clear day the view is to
Pease Bay and to the left and ahead the coastline to Dunbar with the
Bass Rock in the distance. The land in the horizon is the Fife
Coastline.
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
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Owl Wood is to the north of the route then the way crosses to the north side of a ribbon wood. As the route reaches the corner of this plantation there are views west to the Cranshaws area and close to the joining of the Whitadder and Dye Waters.
At the end of the wood the way zig zags past a Waymarker sign. Turning
to the right for a few metres takes the walker to a viewing point
above Commonside and here there are views on a
clear day south and west as far as the Eildons. The Way however heads north and left
at the waymarker and descends toward the B6355 Preston to Ellem and
Cranshaws road. Ahead the Way is clearly seen as it start its next
climb out of the valley.
Having crossed the road there is another incline then a walk across two
field before a steep descent by way of steps built into the hillside
just prior to entering Roughside Wood.
Roughside Wood consists mainly of conifer and runs on the hillside
to the east and south of the Whitadder Water. This is a pleasant and
main flat 2 km. track and as it starts to descend toward the river you
are almost certain to be confronted by endless grouse, clearly the
woods are used for breeding.
A further short section along the side of the river brings the Way into
Abbey St Bathans at the crossroads near to the church. This is a tiny
community although the needs of the long distance walker are recognised
with a walkers cottage located opposite the church and directly on the
route.
From hear the Way crosses the Whitadder River at a pedestrian bridge
built by the Gurkhas in 1987. Turn right down the
side of the river through ancient and attractive woodland. It is said
that in the Abbey St Bathans' wood there are almost a third of all the
oak trees in the whole of the Border Council countryside.
Just after crossing a small burn the way meets a ford and further
pedestrian bridge. Turn left and to the north following the Whare Burn
soon reaching Edgar's Cleuch and Blakerstone Moor. To the north are
again the Lammermuir Hills with Heart Law and
Bransly Hill ahead and Spartleton slightly to the left. The track is
clearly defined between fencing and runs in a straight line before
turning right across a wide open pasture.
The route is now almost due North over the field, shortly the stone
cairn is a prominant feature to head for. But be aware that this whole
grazing area can be exceptionally wet and muddy, a section that most
are happy to leave behind as they reach the corner of the wood and a
farm track.
The route is now back onto grass or farm track before reaching a
minor road that runs down ultimately to a junction with the A1
Edinburgh to Newcastle Road. The sound of traffic is heard before the
road is visible and just behind in the East Coast Mainline Railway
track.
Take care with the crossing of the A1, then heading north the way
soon bears to the east and over the railway line into the start of the
Penmanshiel Forest.
The forest track is first an ascent through a pleasant mixed wood,
however the views are constantly changing as the softwood firs grow at
a fast rate. As the way reaches its highest point the Sea can
be seen for the first time due north. On a clear day the view is to
Pease Bay and to the left and ahead the coastline to Dunbar with the
Bass Rock in the distance. The land in the horizon is the Fife
Coastline.
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
Roughside Wood consists mainly of conifer and runs on the hillside to the east and south of the Whitadder Water. This is a pleasant and main flat 2 km. track and as it starts to descend toward the river you are almost certain to be confronted by endless grouse, clearly the woods are used for breeding.
A further short section along the side of the river brings the Way into
Abbey St Bathans at the crossroads near to the church. This is a tiny
community although the needs of the long distance walker are recognised
with a walkers cottage located opposite the church and directly on the
route.
From hear the Way crosses the Whitadder River at a pedestrian bridge
built by the Gurkhas in 1987. Turn right down the
side of the river through ancient and attractive woodland. It is said
that in the Abbey St Bathans' wood there are almost a third of all the
oak trees in the whole of the Border Council countryside.
Just after crossing a small burn the way meets a ford and further
pedestrian bridge. Turn left and to the north following the Whare Burn
soon reaching Edgar's Cleuch and Blakerstone Moor. To the north are
again the Lammermuir Hills with Heart Law and
Bransly Hill ahead and Spartleton slightly to the left. The track is
clearly defined between fencing and runs in a straight line before
turning right across a wide open pasture.
The route is now almost due North over the field, shortly the stone
cairn is a prominant feature to head for. But be aware that this whole
grazing area can be exceptionally wet and muddy, a section that most
are happy to leave behind as they reach the corner of the wood and a
farm track.
The route is now back onto grass or farm track before reaching a
minor road that runs down ultimately to a junction with the A1
Edinburgh to Newcastle Road. The sound of traffic is heard before the
road is visible and just behind in the East Coast Mainline Railway
track.
Take care with the crossing of the A1, then heading north the way
soon bears to the east and over the railway line into the start of the
Penmanshiel Forest.
The forest track is first an ascent through a pleasant mixed wood,
however the views are constantly changing as the softwood firs grow at
a fast rate. As the way reaches its highest point the Sea can
be seen for the first time due north. On a clear day the view is to
Pease Bay and to the left and ahead the coastline to Dunbar with the
Bass Rock in the distance. The land in the horizon is the Fife
Coastline.
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
Just after crossing a small burn the way meets a ford and further
pedestrian bridge. Turn left and to the north following the Whare Burn
soon reaching Edgar's Cleuch and Blakerstone Moor. To the north are
again the Lammermuir Hills with Heart Law and
Bransly Hill ahead and Spartleton slightly to the left. The track is
clearly defined between fencing and runs in a straight line before
turning right across a wide open pasture.
The route is now almost due North over the field, shortly the stone
cairn is a prominant feature to head for. But be aware that this whole
grazing area can be exceptionally wet and muddy, a section that most
are happy to leave behind as they reach the corner of the wood and a
farm track.
The route is now back onto grass or farm track before reaching a
minor road that runs down ultimately to a junction with the A1
Edinburgh to Newcastle Road. The sound of traffic is heard before the
road is visible and just behind in the East Coast Mainline Railway
track.
Take care with the crossing of the A1, then heading north the way
soon bears to the east and over the railway line into the start of the
Penmanshiel Forest.
The forest track is first an ascent through a pleasant mixed wood,
however the views are constantly changing as the softwood firs grow at
a fast rate. As the way reaches its highest point the Sea can
be seen for the first time due north. On a clear day the view is to
Pease Bay and to the left and ahead the coastline to Dunbar with the
Bass Rock in the distance. The land in the horizon is the Fife
Coastline.
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
The route is now back onto grass or farm track before reaching a
minor road that runs down ultimately to a junction with the A1
Edinburgh to Newcastle Road. The sound of traffic is heard before the
road is visible and just behind in the East Coast Mainline Railway
track.
Take care with the crossing of the A1, then heading north the way
soon bears to the east and over the railway line into the start of the
Penmanshiel Forest.
The forest track is first an ascent through a pleasant mixed wood,
however the views are constantly changing as the softwood firs grow at
a fast rate. As the way reaches its highest point the Sea can
be seen for the first time due north. On a clear day the view is to
Pease Bay and to the left and ahead the coastline to Dunbar with the
Bass Rock in the distance. The land in the horizon is the Fife
Coastline.
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
The descent through the wood is towards the line of the original
A1 south of Edinburgh. The road had to cross Pease Dean this being
accomplished in 1786 with the opening of the Pease Bridge. This bridge
at the time of opening was the highest bridge in the world at 130 feet
above the water below.
The Way breaks from the SUW and crosses the bridge the turns right
to pass down Pease Dean on the western side. The Dean is
now a common circular route full of interesting tree and plant life but
this routing offers the best views to the sea and looking back the only
views of this magnificent bridge.
Pease Bay is a sandy bay on what is generally a rocky coastline to
the east and south. The bay is lined with holiday caravans, somewhat
detracting from what is a fine coastal beach. Some 4 miles east is
Fast Castle with it 16th Century
connections with Margaret Tudor and Mary Stewart. This castle was also
known as the Wolf's Crag in the Bride of
Lammermoor.
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
The last 2 miles start along the cliff line to the west of Pease
Bay with the option of looking down on Cove Harbour accessed through a
tunnel made in the 18th century. From the coast the trail heads inland
for a very short distance crossing under the A1 and entering the
village square in Cockburnspath,
the end of the Sir Walter Scott's Way and the Southern Upland Way.
Previous section |
Home Page |
Walking Information |
Service for Walkers
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
© Copyright, design & maintained by I-Net Support Latest update - August 2003
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