Thornielee

Stunning views and quirky history at a butterfly hotspot

There are walks, wildlife, stunning views and quirky history to discover at this quiet forest. The grassy slopes below the car park are just right for butterflies like the Small Copper and the Northern Brown Argus.

One of the folk tales collected by Sir Walter Scott in his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders tells of Muckle Mou’d (big mouthed) Meg, the notoriously ugly daughter of the Murray family. You’ll find out how she found true love from interpretation panels near the car park. Look out for the ruins of Elibank Castle, the Murrays’ home, which you can still see across the valley.

Walking trails

Thornielee route card (PDF)

Walking

Meadow Trail

A gentle meander with plenty of places to sit. Spot the butterflies this forest is renowned for, or the anthills on the edge of the pines.

Largely firm gravel surface, with some loose stones. Some short moderate slopes and a few steeper ramps. Regular seats along route.

½ miles / 1.0 km

Allow
¼ hours

More information

Sit patiently for a while in summer and you'll meet some of the fascinating small inhabitants of Thornielee. The forest is renowned for its butterfly population, especially the south-facing grassy slopes below the car park, warmed by the sun. Look for Northern Brown Argus, a priority species for conservation that usually flies in June, and the pretty Small Copper, which can be seen in May and June.

Walking

Cairn Trail (diverted)

A trail notice is in effect

The trail is now open with a diversion. The top half of the trail is closed due to significant storm damage. Please follow diversion signage, thank you!

'A long climb to the top of Thornielee Forest is rewarded with magnificent views.

Rough earth and grass paths with exposed tree roots and several muddy sections. Long steep slopes for up to 500m.

2 ½ miles / 4.1 km

Allow
1½ hours

More information

Discover the Shepherd’s Cairns, impressive jumbles of stones that were once a burial place. Nobody knows whose body lay here, but the views over the Tweed Valley make it a wonderful resting place.

Activities

Trails in Thornielee

Thornielee offers something for everyone with quiet walking paths and testing mountain biking trails. 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

Walking

Parking

Viewpoint

Picnic area

Ancient monument

The nearest public toilets are in Innerleithen or Galashiels.

Getting here

Thornielee forest is halfway between Innerleithen and Galashiels on the A72. Look for the car park on the north side of the road, ½ mile west of Thornylee village.

Using SatNav?

TD1 3LN is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses between Galashiels and Innerleithen can stop at the forest on request. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions