Thursday, 18 April 2024
An ancie...
Cardrona
Where we are
Latest forest information
Fergus's Trail remains closed due to significant storm damage. All other walking trails are open, some with diversions.
About
Beautiful views of Tweed Valley and 2000 years of history
Cardrona is a large forest that drapes the hillsides on the south side of the Tweed Valley. The trails are great for tranquil walks, gentle cross-country rides and relaxed horse riding. There are lovely views up the Tweed Valley towards Glentress.
Look out for red squirrels and a wealth of birdlife. Cardrona Tower, built in the 1500s, is now a ruin – but bats think it’s an ideal home. Don’t miss the site of the Iron Age fort at Castle Knowe – the walls are built on top of a layout some 2,000 years old.
Walking trails
Walking
Burn Trail
A pleasant stroll through spruce and larch trees alongside the gently-flowing Kirk Burn.
Firm gravel surface with some loose stones. Short section grassed over. Includes moderate slopes and two bridges 0.9m wide.
¼ miles / 0.3 km
Allow ¼ hour
Walking
Pen View Trail
A beautiful walk through Pine and larch woodlands with an air of the Highlands and fine views of Lee Pen.
Firm gravel path. Long moderate slopes with some short fairly steep sections. Includes 2 kissing gates, a bridge and narrow openings.
1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km
1 hour
Walking
Fergus’s Trail (closed)
A trail notice is in effect
Fergus's Trail is currently closed due to storm damage (multiple windblown trees).
Discover the remains of the Cardrona Tower and enjoy beautiful views of the Tweed Valley.
Firm gravel path with some loose stone. Long moderate slopes with some short fairly steep sections. Some narrow openings, two kissing gates and a bridge.
2 ½ miles / 3.9 km
1½ hours
Walking
Pikes Knowe Trail (diverted)
A trail notice is in effect
The Pikes Knowe Trail is now open with diversions. Please follow diversion signage.
Head deep into the forest to discover the remains of Cardrona Tower and the Iron Age fort at Castle Knowe, as well as fine views over the Tweed Valley.
Largely firm gravel path with some loose stone. Mostly long moderate slopes with a steep section. One bridge, some narrow openings and two kissing gates.
4 miles / 6.6 km
2 hours
Activities
Horse riding and cycling
Horse riders and cyclists are welcome at Cardrona, although we'd appreciate if you could stick to the old walking trails.
Trails in Cardrona
The serenity of Cardrona makes it a great place for all sorts of activities. 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
Toilets are open 7 days a week.
Car parking information
Payment options: coin or RingGo
The charges to park at Cardrona are:
- £1.50 for up to 1 hour
- £4 for all day
- £14 for minibus or coach all day
Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol.
Annual parking pass available:
Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Or take your completed form to the Glentress Peel Cafe. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.
Tweed Valley Car Park Pass - £90 per car and £135 per mini bus or coach
Valid at Glentress (all sites), Cardrona and Innerleithen.
FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Getting here
The car park for Cardrona Forest is on the B7062, 3½ miles east of Peebles and ¾ miles west of Cardrona village.
From the A72, take the turning signposted for 'Cardrona', then follow all subsequent signs for 'Tweed Valley Forest Park Cardrona'.
Using SatNav?
EH45 9HU is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 1)
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