The best walks and hikes around Elibank And Traquair Forest
4.5
(168)
2,275
hikers
157
hikes
Hikes around Elibank and Traquair Forest explore the woodlands and rolling hills of the Tweed Valley. The landscape is characterized by extensive coniferous forests, the meandering River Tweed, and several burns like the Fingland Burn. The terrain consists mainly of forest paths and riverside routes, with the highest point in the immediate area being Middlebar Knowe at 528 meters.
Best hiking trails around Elibank And Traquair Forest
- The most popular hiking route is the Traquair House loop from Innerleithen,…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
3.0
(1)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
8
hikers
12.8km
03:39
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
3.7
(3)
13
hikers
7.78km
02:30
310m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
103
hikers
5.66km
01:59
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
29
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This excursion from the Southern Upland Way and the Cross Borders Drove Road is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see the hills surrounding the Tweed and Yarrow valleys. It's a special feeling, standing in a place where travelers, shepherds, and (Roman) armies passed through centuries ago.
0
0
The tarmac cycle path following the river Tweed from Glentress makes Innerleithen super accessible which in turn provides you with free range to pedal the ‘old’ XC & DH trails, it also provides easy access to the current ‘trendy’ gravity orientated hot spot of Golfie, named so, as it’s situated above the golf course. First off the Old XC, (starts from the carpark over the bridge by the river) it was very sad to see the current trashed & sorry state of what appears to be the forgotten XC Trail, after having ridden it many times since the early eighties! The long climb at the start is currently cut short & diverted with no access up to the top from what I could see? The remainder of the trails are just trashed with the mighty Caddon Bank DH a shadow of its former self. Golfie is an easy pedal across the village with some great coffee stop opportunities enroute. One in particular Findra on the high st deserves a Big shout out, it’s stylish, MTB rider (muddy bum) friendly, sells fantastic coffee & food has uber cool curated music. Oh it also sells very cool artisan made clothing. There are others in the village which all look fab but Findra was the one we stopped at. The Findra staff ride mountain bikes, are super friendly & great for local riding knowledge 😉👍 Golfie is a short pedal through the village towards the Golf club & then a longish pedal up a Forest road with ‘natural’ trails spilling off the side of the hill in varying degrees of difficulty. Be prepared for full on gnar, chunder, roots, very steep drop offs & lots n lots of muddy gloop if the weather has not been kind. No manicured trails here! If you keep pedalling you’ll eventually reach the old reservoir where the views are magnificent & several trail go off in several directions. My advice, if it’s your first time riding Golfie try & take someone who’s ridden it before as some of the trails start off very benign but then transform like Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde! Wear body armour that allows you to pedal, but all the same wear body armour😜👍
1
0
From this viewpoint near Minch Moor summit, you are afforded wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders region, with the Tweed Valley stretching out before you. You may also spot towns and villages such as Peebles and Innerleithen nestled among the greenery.
1
0
Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. It proudly states on a sign outside that it has been visited by 27 Scottish kings and queens since it was built in 1107. It's a magnificent building with equally magnificent gardens. You can access the house from the road here, but do keep in mind it is only open to the public seasonally, between March and October. You can find information on prices and daily opening times here https://www.traquair.co.uk/visitor-information/
1
0
The clouds were very low when approaching Innerleithen early morning. The hill tops can not be seen. It is a nice sight to see
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails in Elibank and Traquair Forest dog-friendly?
Yes, the Scottish Borders are generally very welcoming to dogs. The forest trails are great for walking with your dog, but it's important to keep them under control, especially near farmland with livestock. The extensive network of paths through the woodlands provides plenty of space for them to explore.
What are the parking options for hiking in the area?
There are several parking areas that serve as convenient starting points for hikes. You can find parking in the towns of Innerleithen and Walkerburn, which are gateways to many popular trails. Some specific trailheads, particularly for the 7stanes mountain bike routes, also have dedicated car parks that can be used by hikers.
Can I get to Elibank and Traquair Forest using public transport?
Yes, the towns of Innerleithen and Walkerburn are accessible by bus services that run through the Tweed Valley, often connecting from Galashiels or Peebles. From these towns, you can directly access the trailheads for many walks, making it a good option for those arriving without a car.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the forest?
Absolutely. The area offers several gentler walks suitable for families. Many paths along the River Tweed are relatively flat and scenic. For a shorter, manageable outing, consider the Toll Wood loop from Walkerburn, which provides a pleasant walk through the woods without significant climbs.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Elibank and Traquair Forest?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 2,000 hikers exploring the area. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful mix of woodland and riverside scenery, and the variety of routes available for all skill levels.
How many hiking trails are available in Elibank and Traquair Forest?
There is a wide variety of trails to choose from, with over 150 routes mapped on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging hill climbs, ensuring there's a path for every type of hiker.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the most popular routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. The Kirnie Law loop is a great example of a moderate loop that offers rewarding views over the Tweed Valley.
Are there any historical sites to see while hiking?
The area is rich in history. Many trails pass near significant landmarks. The most notable is Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house, which is a focal point for several walks. You can also find the ruins of Elibank Castle within the forest, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
What kind of difficulty should I expect from the trails?
The trails cater to a range of abilities. You'll find a good number of easy, relatively flat paths, especially along the River Tweed. However, the majority of routes are rated as moderate, typically involving forest tracks with some sustained climbs and descents. There are also a few difficult hikes for those seeking a strenuous challenge.
Does the Southern Upland Way pass through the forest?
Yes, a section of the Southern Upland Way, one of Scotland's Great Trails, runs through Elibank and Traquair Forest. You can hike a portion of this long-distance path, which takes you up towards Minch Moor, offering expansive views of the surrounding Borders hills.
Are there any good pubs or cafes for after a hike?
The nearby towns of Innerleithen and Walkerburn have several pubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can relax and get refreshments after your walk. They offer a welcoming atmosphere for hikers looking to round off their day in the hills.
Besides hiking, what other outdoor activities is the area known for?
Elibank and Traquair Forest is a world-class destination for mountain biking, home to the famous Innerleithen 7stanes trails known for their challenging downhill and cross-country routes. The Tweed Valley Railway Path also offers a scenic route for recreational cycling between Innerleithen and Peebles.
Most popular routes around Elibank And Traquair Forest
Most popular attractions around Elibank And Traquair Forest
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
