Monday, 07 Oct 2024
Wild apple trees haven't been a species often found in our management plans in the past, but all of …
Cademuir Hill gives commanding views over Peebles and Glentress Forest. The scenery is at its best on misty mornings or in the low light of early evening.
It’s an ideal place for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye – and an ear – open for small birds such as siskins, warblers and crossbills, or greater spotted woodpeckers. If you’re very lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of tawny owls fleeting through the trees at dusk or red deer bouncing through the trees.
A lovely short loop through this peaceful larch and pine forest, where bird song fills the air and wildlife waits around every turn.
Firm gravel surface throughout. Some steep slopes and occasional muddy section. Suitable for horses with softer alternative route in places.
Allow ¾ hour
Tantah House, from which the trail takes its name, is an imposing 19th century villa just downhill from the north end of the forest. It was built by local foundry owner James Inglis, who named it after a town in Egypt – nobody knows why.
Be rewarded with panoramic views of the Tweed Valley from the summit of Cademuir Hill and see if you can spot the Iron Age settlement.
Firm gravel path with some uneven sections. Includes a long steep slope and some muddy patches.
Allow 2 ½ hours
The two German air force pilots took refuge in Cademuir when they had bailed out here during World War II. The forest is so secluded that they were only discovered when smoke from their fire gave them away.
Cademuir’s trails, with their mixture of forest and open hill, are popular with horse riders.
The John Buchan Way, a 13 mile trail that connects Peebles and Broughton, runs alongside the forest. The route celebrates the author of The Thirty-Nine Steps, who was also a politician and Governor-General of Canada. Find out more about the route at Scottish Borders Council.
The diversity of trees and habitat within Cademuir makes it popular with many different forest visitors. 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.
The nearest public toilets, as well as plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, are back along the road in Peebles.
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Cademuir is 1½ miles south of Peebles. There's a few turns that are easy to miss, so it's worth reading these directions before you go:
EH45 9HH is the nearest postcode, a little before you reach the forest.
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Award-winning mountain biking and so much more
Beautiful views of Tweed Valley and 2000 years of history
A forested climb to the site of an Iron Age hill fort