Skip to main content

Caberston Forest

Where we are

About

A forested climb to the site of an Iron Age hill fort

The Pirn Hill in Caberston Forest is one of many Iron Age settlements along the Tweed Valley. They’re known as ‘hill forts’, although they may have been built more as status symbols than as a defence against attackers. They all hold commanding positions on hilltops, making them great places to drink in the view.

You'll also pass sculptures by local artist, Mary Kenny, inspired by different periods in Innerleithen’s history. See if you can spot prehistoric hunters, Roman soldiers, a Celtic storyteller, Innerleithen’s mills and spa, a modern-day family celebrating ‘Cleikum’, or the fish and farm animals that have sustained the town through the centuries.

Walking trails

Caberston Forest route card (PDF)

Walking

Pirn Hill Trail

Climb back in time around the Iron Age hill fort on Pirn Hill. There’s an option to include the summit and panoramic views over the Tweed Valley.

Uneven earth and grass paths. Includes short steep sections with loose gravel.

Moderate trail grade icon grade icon
¾ miles / 1.4 km

Allow ¾ hours

More information

The trail starts at the historic Cuddy Brig across the Leithen Water. Look for a signpost on Leithen Road, pointing down a track between the houses on the right. It leads you to the site of a hilltop fort built 2,000 years ago, and to protect the archaeological site there are no waymarkers up onto the summit of the hill itself.

Activities

Trails in Caberston

A pioneering mountain bike trail development scheme makes Caberston one of the best places for mountain biking in the UK, but there’s more to discover here for all types of forest user. Find out more about how we’re working to create ideal environments for walking, mountain biking and horse riding in the Tweed Valley Forest Park.

Tweed Valley Zoning Plan (PDF 6MB)

Facilities and access

Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking

There are public toilets and lots of places to eat and drink in Innerleithen.

Getting here

Car parking

There is no car park at this location.

The trail begins in Innerleithen, on Leithen Road 500m from the junction with the High Street. Look for the signpost to 'Pirn Hill Fort' that points down a track between the houses on the east side of the road.

You can park at Innerleithen forest and make your way into town to Caberston Forest. There is also parking in the town of Innerleithen and on-street parking around the waymarked trail. The parking facilities have a small fee that goes back to the community.

Do consider public and active transport if available and possible.

Using SatNav?

EH44 6HE is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Local buses, as well as services from Edinburgh, stop on Innerleithen High Street. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

The best downhill and enduro mountain-biking in the area

Facilities and activities
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Innerleithen': 0.56 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Beautiful views of Tweed Valley and 2000 years of history

Facilities and activities
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Horse riding
Horse riding
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Distance from 'Cardrona': 2.77 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Award-winning mountain biking and so much more

Facilities and activities
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Wildlife hide
Wildlife hide
Walking
Walking
Treetop adventure
Treetop adventure
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Bike hire
Bike hire
Shower
Shower
Distance from 'Glentress': 3.63 miles