Craik Forest
Walk with the wildlife at Craik Forest
Craik Forest is great for when you want to ‘get away from it all’. Nestling in the heart of the Southern Uplands, this large, remote woodland is home to red squirrels and many woodland birds.
Some of the trees here are over 100 years old, and the size and isolation of the forest makes it a great place for wildlife.
Our guide map of the forests in the Southern Uplands (PDF 3.72MB) has details of more woodlands in this beautiful area.
Find a bite to eat nearby
You’ll find public toilets and places to eat in Hawick.
Walking trails
Our guide map of the forests in the Southern Uplands (PDF 3.72MB) has details of more woodlands in this beautiful area.
Phytophthora Ramorum, a disease that kills larch trees, has reached Craik Forest. Please help slow the spread of the disease by making sure your bikes, shoes, kit, dogs, horses, buggies etc., are all clean before visiting Innerleithen and other forests. Thank you. #keepitclean
Burnside Trail
A short stroll along the peaceful Borthwick Water, through graceful larch. Perfect for a picnic.
Wide and firm track throughout, with occasional loose gravel. Gentle rises and one section of boardwalk.
¼ miles / 0.4 km Allow ¼ hours
Spruce Trail
A wee daunder along the burn and through mature, moss-clad Norway spruce trees, a favourite habitat of the red squirrel.
Uneven gravel and earth paths. Some exposed tree roots and potentially muddy sections. Two short steep slopes and a pair of bridges.
½ miles / 0.8 km Allow ½ hours
Aithouse Burn Trail
Walk through some of Craik’s oldest trees and along the lovely Aithouse Burn. Great views over the forest.
Uneven grass and earth paths with some muddy sections. Some steep slopes. Includes a bridge and section of boardwalk.
1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km Allow 1 hour
How to get here
From Hawick, follow the A7 towards Carlisle. At Martins Bridge turn onto the B711, signposted for Roberton. After about 3 ¼ miles, just beyond the school in Roberton, turn left and follow the unclassified single track road for about 6 ½ miles. The car park is at grid reference NT 346 079. Craik Forest is well signposted.
Using SatNav?
TD9 7PS is the nearest postcode.
Nearby places
You’ll find more trails to explore in Wauchope, where there are wonderful views across the Borders landscape. At Castle O’er and Bessie’s Hill you can walk in the footsteps of Iron Age settlers across the hilltop forts they built.
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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
