Thursday, 18 April 2024
An ancie...
Cademuir
Where we are
About
Climb through rolling hillside forest for glorious valley views
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.
Walking trails
Walking
Tantah's Trail
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.
1 ¼ miles / 2.2 km
Allow ¾ hour
More information
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.
Walking
Pilots' Trail
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.
3 ¾ miles / 6.0 km
Allow 2½ hours
More information
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.
Activities
Horse riding
Cademuir’s trails, with their mixture of forest and open hill, are popular with horse riders.
The John Buchan Way
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.
Trails in Cademuir
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.
Facilities and access
The nearest public toilets, as well as plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, are back along the road in Peebles.
Car parking information
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.
Getting here
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:
- From the centre of Peebles, head south over the River Tweed on the B7062. Ignore the wide turning straight ahead, instead taking the second right which is signposted for 'High School'.
- Follow Springhill Road for a ¼ mile, turning right when prompted by another sign for 'High School'.
- After this turning, take an immediate left along Bonnington Road. Follow Bonnington Road for 1 mile, until the sign marking the entrance to Cademuir appears on the right.
Using SatNav?
EH45 9HH is the nearest postcode, a little before you reach the forest.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 1)
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