Kelso Abbey
Hawick to Selkirk
Jedburgh Abbey

This section is 12.5 miles / 19 Km across undulating countryside and forest track. The section is divided into two halves each with a significant high point to cross where the views are wonderful.

View from Stirches Road to North of Hawick

The Way resumes at the Teviotdale Leisure Centre and having crossed the A7 trunk road and walked along the first section of Princes Street the route turn north and right up the road leading to Stirches. This is a constant climb through a mixture of housing before the open countryside is reached. On the right across the open field sits a care home, previously this big building was St Andrew's Convent. There now follows a further kilometre of walking on the side of a minor road until the route separates from the tarred road near to the entrance to Drinkstone Farm.

After only a short section of track a stile is reached then the path is on a grass track over fields and then moorland as the route still climbs to the first high point on the section at 1000 feet to the NE of Drinkstone Hill. From here there is a 360 degree view with Rubers Law and the distant Eildon Hills visible along with the higher hills between the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys to the west.
Even on a good day the horizon may contain some more threatening clouds in one direction, but if the weather permits enjoy the panoramic view.

View form Ashkirk Hill

There now follows a gradual decline through forestry and moorland towards the small community of Ashkirk. On the descent on Ashkirk Hill there are views to the east towards a loch at Synton Mossend with the Edinburgh to Carlisle road passing to the east. At the foot of the forest the track crosses the Ale Water, turning right onto the minor road and then immediately left over a stile, through a field and then another stile that takes the walker onto Woll Golf Course.

Wollrigg Golf Club

As you walk across the golf course there are numerous way markers but the walker needs to be careful to avoid or distract the players. This course starts in the Ale Vale but as you follow the route north it starts to climb as the track follows the line of the Thief Road. From leaving the golf course the path is a continual climb now to the highest point of the section and of the complete Way.

Looking south towards Rubers Law from Hartwood Forest

At a tight corner on the Ashkirk to Hartwoodmyres road at Wollrig the Way joins the narrow road and there is a section of tarred road to follow as it rises to the Bishop's Stone and this high vantage point. Stop here and look to the south in particular for interesting views and to track the route you have just been taking. For views to the north you will have to wait until you have entered Hartwoodmyres Forest.

Ettrick Valley from Hartwood Forest

The entrance to the forest is clearly identified on the right and this forestry is used for all types of recreation such as cycling and horse riding. The track is well defined and shortly the track reaches a corner where the way turns to the left and starts to descend. This is the first vantage point for views toward Selkirk and the hills surrounding the Tweed. There are also views over to the Ettrick Valley and Bowhill Estate.

Looking North towards Selkirk

At the lower edge of the Hartwoodmyres Forest the waking surface changes from a forest track into a rough grass path as the walker continues their descent towards Middlestead. This is pleasant walking countryside with moorland fields turning to more cultivated land and animal grazing. The views ahead are of the Ettrick Valley, distant Tweed Valley and of Selkirk.

Valley from Hartwood to Middlestead

At Middlestead the route bears to the right and follow the minor road for approximately a kilometre before reaching Brownmoor Farm and then soon crossing a stile on the left and heading across fields. This is the final section into Selkirk and passes by the Haining Loch with the large Haining House in the distance. The route then comes round via a wood and stable block to pass by the front drive of this large but somewhat drab property that clearly has seen better days.

The Haining - Selkirk

From the front of the Haining the walk is down a tree lined drive to a stone archway and the public road from the East Port to the Ettrick Bridge. At the road turn right and soon you reach the Market Square with the statue of Sir Walter Scott and the Courthouse Museum. To the right of the Courthouse and up the narrow street you will quickly reach the ruined Auld Kirk (1747 - 1861) with its elevated views over the town.

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