Thornielee

Stunning views and quirky history at a butterfly hotspot

Tweed Valley’s ancient and turbulent history has left many tales to tell. You can reflect on some of them at Thornielee or just enjoy a picnic or walk in pretty butterfly meadows. There are trails, wildlife, stunning views and quirky history to discover at this quiet site.

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 lower Cairn Trail loop will be partially closed Monday to Friday between point 2, point 10 and point 9 from Monday 30 June until the end of October 2025 for tree felling operations. The lower loop will be fully open at weekends.
  
  
• The top loop of Cairn Trail is completely closed from the forest road above point 5 upwards due to several sections of windblow and multiple fallen trees.

Please see Thornielee Route Card for point reference.

 

'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 1 ½ 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

Ancient monument

Viewpoint

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

The nearest public toilets are in Innerleithen or Galashiels.

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.

More about parking

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