Easy hikes and walks around Kirkhouse Forest
4.5
(109)
1,583
hikers
64
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Kirkhouse Forest traverse a landscape characterized by a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, with the forest floor often covered in ferns and mosses. The surrounding countryside features fields, pastures, gentle hills, and meandering streams. The Newhall Burn, a small watercourse, adds to the natural features of the area. Dod Hill, a prominent elevation under 200m, offers views across the rolling terrain.
Best easy hiking trails around Kirkhouse Forest
- The most popular easy hiking route is…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
6
hikers
6.37km
01:54
190m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. 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.
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5.0
(1)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful walled garden for having a coffee or a light meal 👌
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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😜👍
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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/
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This is a nice section to ride through, go through the gated area and there are benches to sit on. The surface initially is an asphalt type flat surface and easy to ride on
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The clouds were very low when approaching Innerleithen early morning. The hill tops can not be seen. It is a nice sight to see
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Kirkhouse Forest?
Kirkhouse Forest offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with 26 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are 64 hiking routes available across various difficulty levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes in Kirkhouse Forest?
Easy hikes in Kirkhouse Forest will take you through a tranquil landscape featuring a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, often with a forest floor covered in ferns and mosses. Beyond the woodlands, you'll find rolling countryside with fields, pastures, gentle hills, and meandering streams like the Newhall Burn.
Are there any viewpoints or notable natural features on the easy trails?
Yes, Dod Hill is a prominent elevation in the area, offering rewarding views across the rolling terrain. Many trails also follow natural watercourses like the Newhall Burn and Leithen Water, adding to the scenic experience.
Are the easy hiking trails in Kirkhouse Forest suitable for families with children?
Many of the easy trails are well-suited for families, offering gentle gradients and varied scenery. Routes like the Tweed Valley Railway Path – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop from Innerleithen, which follows a historic railway path, are particularly good for a relaxed family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hikes in Kirkhouse Forest?
Yes, Kirkhouse Forest is generally dog-friendly. Most trails are suitable for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a lead, especially in areas where livestock may be present or to protect local wildlife. Ensure you carry waste bags and water for your pet.
What are some of the shorter easy walks available?
For a shorter, easy walk, consider the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Tweed Valley Railway Path loop from Innerleithen. This route is approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) long and features minimal elevation gain, making it a quick and pleasant option.
Are there any easy circular routes in Kirkhouse Forest?
Yes, several easy circular routes are available. For example, the Innerleithen XC Trail – Stone Bridge with Gateposts loop from Traquair is a popular 6.4 km (4.0 miles) circular trail that winds through varied woodland and open countryside.
What is the best time of year to go hiking on easy trails in Kirkhouse Forest?
Kirkhouse Forest offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings fresh greenery and wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer provides pleasant temperatures for longer walks, and even winter can be beautiful with crisp air and potentially frosted landscapes, though some paths might be muddy or icy.
Are there any cafes or places for refreshments near the easy hiking trails?
Yes, some routes are conveniently located near amenities. The No1 Peebles Road Café – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop from Innerleithen is an easy 5.5 km (3.4 miles) hike that starts and ends near a café, perfect for a post-walk treat.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Kirkhouse Forest?
The easy trails in Kirkhouse Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery of woodlands and open countryside.
Is parking available for easy hikes in Kirkhouse Forest?
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, many popular starting points for trails around Innerleithen and Traquair, which are central to Kirkhouse Forest, typically offer parking facilities. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions for precise parking information.
Can I reach the easy hiking trails in Kirkhouse Forest using public transport?
The area around Kirkhouse Forest, particularly near Innerleithen, is served by local public transport. Routes like the Tweed Valley Railway Path – Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen loop from Innerleithen are accessible from the town, making them convenient for those using public transport.
Most popular routes around Kirkhouse Forest
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