Borders Abbeys Walk - Selkirk to Abbotsford House (Part 5)
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 10.4 kms | varied | 0 metres | OS Explorer: Scottish Borders |
Description
The Ancient and Royal Burgh of Selkirk stands above the Ettrick Valley. Sir Walter Scott was Sheriff here for thirty-three years and his former courtroom features a fascinating audio-visual presentation telling the story of Scott's long associations with the town and its people. Halliwell's House, one of the town's oldest buildings, now houses a museum and also the Tourist Information Centre.
Selkirk's Common Riding has a tradition dating back to the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and today as many as 400 horse riders take part in this annual event. The twin valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow contain some of the most glorious scenery in the Scottish Borders. The area's rich heritage provided inspiration for writers such as Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg.
According to local tradition Selkirk Old Parish Church was in the original parish church on this site that William Wallace was named 'Guardian of Scotland' in 1297 in the aftermath of his victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The present ruin dates from 1748 and the churchyard contains many interesting gravestones. From Selkirk Market Place head uphill on the one way street, Kirk Wynd, passing on the left hand side a bakers shop which proclaims that it is "Home of the Selkirk Bannock". On your right you pass the "Kirk 'o' the Forest". Follow this road straight on to reach a junction. From here continue straight ahead as the road dips then rises again through an area of houses.
Continue until you reach the main road (A7) at the top of the hill. Take care to cross safely, straight over the main road, and keep to the left-hand pavement. In about 100 metres, just past a group of houses, turn off the road to the left on to Selkirk Hill and follow the waymarked path.
The area around Selkirk Hill was once part of the ancientEttrick Forest. Around 1113, King David I granted land in this area to monks from Tiron in Normandy, so that thay might build an abbey here. Selkirk Abbey was probably founded in the vicinity of Lindean Church to the north. The abbey was short lived and was relocated to Kelso around 1128 when the monks complained to the king that the land at Selkirk was not suitable. The grant of this land was reaffirmed to the town in 1535 to recognise the heroic Souters (Selkirk people) who fought and died at the battle of Flodden in 1513.
The area of Selkirk Hill (140 acres/ 56 hectares) has moor, ponds, trees and meadows. It is managed by a group of local people with an interest in the area. Work is done to enhance the wildlife interest of the area and to maintain paths in good condition. In the summer months common spotted orchid, mountain pansy, heath bedstraw and harebell can be found in the meadows and yellowhammer can be heard singing from the hawthorn bushes.
Exit the hill at the kissing gate and go right along the rough track. At the end of the track, pass through the small gate and follow onto the farmland. This old track is lined by hawthorn and skirts the edge of Bell Hill. Before Greenhead Farm, go through a small gate as directed on the left and follow the field edge to the top where there is a seat with a view back over Selkirk and the hills overlooking the Yarrow Valley. Follow the waymarks around the field edges until you reach a minor road near Shawmount.
Go right here and follow the road uphill until you reach a white fence and gate on the left-hand side. Go left through the gate and keeping to the right, head down the track behind the stables. This area is known locally as 'Halfcrown Corner'. Cross the road and head forward on to the track. This is an old drove road, which would have been used for driving cattle from Scotland to the markets in England. Continue through a series of gates keeping the dyke on your right over Whitelaw Kips and on to Faldonside Moor. Pass through a sheep handling area and follow the track up before turning right to Cauldshiels Loch.
From Cauldshiels Loch leave the loch through the car park and follow the track down to the road where you turn right. Notice the excellent views to the Eildon Hills here. Take the next left and continue until you reach the T-junction. Go left here and follow the minor road down to the car park at Abbotsford.
Access Info
There is a regular bus service between Selkirk and Melrose (service 72) running hourly Monday to Saturday and a few on Sundays. The journey time between Selkirk and Melrose is about 15 minutes.
