4.3
(152)
1,198
hikers
117
hikes
Hiking around Oxnam Water offers diverse landscapes within the Scottish Borders, characterized by rolling hills, ancient Roman roads, and varied natural features. The region includes elevated points such as Hungry Law and Byrness Hill, providing expansive views. Trails often follow historical routes like Dere Street, integrating cultural landmarks with outdoor activity. Freshwater streams and rivers are common throughout the area, contributing to its varied aquatic landscapes.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.0
(1)
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
2
hikers
15.5km
04:28
370m
370m
Hike the moderate 9.6-mile Streethouse and Peelinick loop from Pennymuir for stunning Cheviot Hills views and 1225 feet of elevation gain.

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25.0km
07:14
620m
620m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
20.5km
05:40
360m
360m
Hike the challenging 12.8-mile Dere Street and Oxnam Loop, exploring ancient Roman roads and diverse Scottish Borders scenery.
1
hikers
16.6km
04:38
310m
310m
Hike the Dere Street and Hownam Loop, a moderate 10.3-mile trail through the Scottish Borders with Roman history and scenic views.
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At the mid-point of Northumberland National Park the River Coquet meanders past rolling moorland, rocky outcrops and ancient hay meadows. This amazing valley oozes lush scenery and we love the fact that it feels wonderfully remote. The upper Coquete valley is classically Cheviot-like. Heavy moorland with wild flower meadows.
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This used to be a shepherd's house, now, it's a farm storage building, apparently, but forget the little things and focus on the amazing, majestic views of the Cheviot Hills surrounding this place. There are beautiful hills around you here in every direction. I'd suggest walking up a minute or two from here to Yett Burn to get some solace from the sounds that the stream makes.
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A longer stretch on Dere Street (an old Roman road built in the 1st century AD). This feels more remote than some of the other parts of the Street in this area - further away from modern streets and with some great views of The Cheviots on the horizon.
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This site is apparently described as one of the best preserved Roman camps in Scotland, but by looking at the field, it is difficult to tell! The camp is right next to Dere Street, which was a Roman road built in the 1st century AD. There is an information board usefully provided here.
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This is a very beautiful segment of the Dere Street: a lovely, green track, including through woods and tree-lined avenue-style places. Very nice. Dere Street was built in the 1st century AD to link what is now York (back then Eboracum) and Inchtuthil near Perth
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A nice and green walk through Birkenside (spot the Birkenside Cottage on the way, a cute house hidden in the forest!) and then through the small Burnt Wood (that's its name!) before reaching Mossburnford. Beware, though: paths might be wet and boggy in places.
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There is a trig point on this summit, which has been painted white more recently. Gorgeous sweeping views from up here: particularly of Leap Hill, Goshen Hill, Philip Law and Leithope Forest.
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There is a junction of paths at Coquet Head. A lone, "in the middle of nowhere" signposts offers different routes here. The Chew Green Bypass is a Pennine Way alternative route, saving half a mile to the summit of Windy Gyle. It's 4 miles to Byrness over rough ground. If you like windswept, wild and rough terrain, and that kind of thing moves you, you are in the right place for it!
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There are over 110 hiking trails around Oxnam Water, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 1100 times.
The trails around Oxnam Water cater to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix of routes, with approximately 37 easy, 59 moderate, and 21 difficult hikes available. This ensures there's something for everyone, from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs.
Yes, many of the trails around Oxnam Water are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Streethouse and Peelinick loop from Pennymuir is a moderate 9.6-mile path, and the challenging Hungry Law and Byrness Hill loop offers a longer 15.5-mile experience.
The region is rich in history. Many trails incorporate ancient Roman roads like Dere Street, offering a unique blend of outdoor activity and historical appreciation. You can also visit impressive sites such as Jedburgh Abbey, a ruined 12th-century Augustinian abbey, or the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh, which provides panoramic views.
Absolutely. The Oxnam Water area features elevated points that provide breathtaking views. The Summit of Windy Gyle, for instance, stands at 2,031 feet and offers expansive vistas. Other prominent hills like Hungry Law and Byrness Hill are also part of more demanding hikes with great views.
The trails in Oxnam Water are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 140 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse Scottish Borders scenery, the historical elements like ancient Roman roads, and the variety of terrain available for different abilities.
Beyond the general scenic beauty, you can discover several natural and historical monuments. The Summit of Windy Gyle is home to Russell's Cairn, a Bronze Age burial site. Other notable features include Lilliard's Stone and Lilliot Cross, and The Three Kings Stone Circle.
For those seeking a greater challenge, Oxnam Water offers several demanding routes. The Dere Street and Oxnam Loop is a challenging 12.8-mile trail that allows for extensive exploration of ancient Roman roads and diverse landscapes.
Hikers in Oxnam Water will encounter diverse Scottish Borders scenery, characterized by rolling hills, ancient Roman roads, and varied natural features. The area includes elevated points, picturesque green spaces, and the presence of freshwater streams and rivers, contributing to a rich and varied natural environment.
Many trails in Oxnam Water perfectly blend history with nature. The Chew Green Roman Camp — Yearning Saddle Refuge Hut loop is a moderate 10.5-mile route that explores a historic Roman camp while traversing scenic landscapes.
While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the varied terrain and historical sites of Oxnam Water can be enjoyed across many seasons. Spring and autumn typically offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.


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