Wauchope

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Wander around Wauchope

Wauchope Forest is criss-crossed with trails that are great for walking, cycling and horse riding. Some lead you beside a babbling burn and through mixed woodland where you might spot red squirrels in the canopy and goshawks overhead. Others take you up to open ground with panoramic views of the border country and the Cheviot Hills.

For more inspiration on exploring Wauchope and other nearby forests, read our Forests of the Southern Uplands (PDF 3.72MB) guide.

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Need a bite to eat?

Wauchope is a lovely place for a picnic, with picnic tables at most of the car parks.

You’ll find a selection of places to shop, eat and drink in Hawick and Newcastleton. There are also public toilets in Hawick.

Walking trails

For more inspiration on exploring Wauchope and other nearby forests, read our Forests of the Southern Uplands (PDF 3.72MB) guide.

Jonny's Trail

Walk in the footsteps of Jonny the forester, along the Catlee Burn and up through oak, ash, birch and larch.

Largely wide firm gravel track, with section of uneven earth and stone. Long slope with steep sections. Several bridges.

1 miles /
1.7 km
Allow
¾ hour

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Cauldron Trail

Climb up through the spruce to enjoy the solitude of Wauchope, before winding back down through the trees. A good leg stretch.

Mostly wide, firm gravel tracks with long moderate slopes. Includes section of narrow, uneven earth and rocky paths with short fairly steep slopes.

1 ¾ miles /
2.9 km
Allow
1 hour

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Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Woods, water and wildlife

The course of the Hyndlee Burn was changed when a new forest road was built here. The burn is now carefully managed to make it as natural as possible and attractive to wildlife. Look into the water near the Wauchope Entrance car park to see how logs have been placed in the water to create still pools, which attract fish, insects and birds.

Wauchope’s woods are planted with plenty of clearings to help rare and threatened wildlife feel at home. Black grouse, goshawk, and juniper are priority species in this area.

Contact: Dumfries and Borders Forest District

Address: Ae Village, Parkgate, Dumfries

Postcode: DG1 1QB

Telephone: 0300 067 6900

Email: dumfriesborders@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

Wauchope lies either side of the B6357, which links Bonchester Bridge and Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.

From Hawick, head to Bonchester Bridge on the A6088. Turn right on to the B6357 south towards Newcastleton for approximately two miles. Hells Hole is the first access point to Wauchope and is on the right-hand side.

The car park is at grid reference NT 590 071.

Using SatNav?

TD9 9TB is the nearest postcode.

Nearby places

Head to Newcastleton for world-acclaimed 7stanes mountain biking, as well as a whole variety of trails for walking and riding with wonderful Borders views. You’re also not far from Craik, with its meandering woodland trails and dramatic waterfall.