Newcastleton
Enjoy the thrills of Newcastleton
Whether you’re planning a peaceful picnic with lovely views, a wilderness ramble or an adrenalin-rush mountain bike ride, Newcastleton Forest offers the perfect setting. The forest is also a wildlife haven: don’t miss the hide overlooking Priesthill and the stunning Liddel valley. There are traces of ages past here too - look out for ancient settlements and burial cairns as you go.
Advance Notice
- All walking trails and Preisthill Car Park will be closed for the Carlisle Stages Rally on Saturday 9 June.
- All bike trails will be closed from Friday 8 June 5pm to end of Saturday 9 June.
Life’s essentials
You can find public toilets and free showers, as well as several places to eat, drink and shop in Newcastleton.
Walking trails
Our guide map to the Forests of Newcastleton (PDF 2.4MB) will help you explore all the local trails. Please Note: The Cross Border Route shown on the Forests of Newcastleton Map will be an out and back only route following the southern half of the loop. The northern half of the loop will be closed until September 2018 due to tree felling operations.
Advance Notice
All trails will be closed for the Carlisle Stages Rally on Saturday 9 June.
Ponds Trail
A charming stroll around the restful ponds on Whithaugh Burn. Sit by the water and look for wild flowers and dragonflies among the hazel and willow trees.
Firm gravel surface with occasional loose stones. Short fairly steep ramps, but plenty of seats along the route. Two bridges 0.9m wide.
¼ miles / 0.5 km Allow ¼ hours
Viewpoint Trail
Great views across Liddesdale from the trig point on Priest Hill. Look for an Iron Age earthwork and a wildlife hide.
Uneven grassy paths. Long slope to summit with fairly steep sections. Some patches may be muddy.
2 ¼ miles / 3.6 km Allow 1½ hours
Hanging Tree Trail
Discover the wild history of Newcastleton. Follow an old drove road to Belshiels, and visit the Hanging Tree and ruins of Pouterlampert.
Rough grass and earth paths with numerous muddy sections. Several short steep slopes. Includes two bridges.
2 ½ miles / 4.0 km Allow 1½ hours
Priest Hill Trail
Take the full circuit around Priest Hill, down to the banks of Liddel Water. Ever-changing views over the valley and Border hills.
Rough grassy path with some fairly steep slopes. Muddy sections and a shallow ford.
3 miles / 4.7 km Allow 2 hours
Mountain biking trails
Newcastleton is one of the the internationally-renowned 7stanes mountain biking trail centres.
The Newcastleton 7stanes map (PDF 607KB) shows the trails.
Trail update (16 May): A short diversion is in place on the Red Route between post 36 and 37 at Swarfe Hill (reopening dates TBC).
Advance Notice
All trails will be closed for the Carlisle Stages Rally from Friday 8 June at 5pm to the end of Saturday 9 June.
Blue Route
Blue: Moderate -
6.1 miles / 9.7 km Red Route (diverted)
The trail is 95% open with a short diversion from post 36 to 37 on Swarfe Hill.
Red: Difficult -
14.6 miles / 23.4 km
Feel the power of this fast and furious route.
More information...How to get here
Newcastleton lies on the B6357, which links Bonchester Bridge and Canonbie.
For walking trails, take the unclassified road at the southern end of Newcastleton village to Priesthill Car Park approx 2.0 miles (3.2km) from the village. You’ll reach Priesthill car park at grid reference NY 505 881.
The 7stanes mountain bike trails all start/finish at the Douglas Square trailhead in the centre of Newcastleton Village.
Using SatNav?
TD9 0TA is the nearest postcode for Priesthill car park in Newcastleton Forest. For the 7stanes trailhead in the village, use postcode TD9 0QD.
Public transport
There are regular buses to Newcastleton from Hawick and Carlisle (except Sundays). You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.
You can also reach Newcastleton under your own steam on the Reivers Route coast-to-coast cycle trail.
Nearby places
Kielder Water & Forest Park
Newcastleton is just a few miles from the England/Scotland border, where you can find Kielder Forest. Explore the forest and reservoir to discover great trails, amazing mountain biking, boat trips, an observatory and a remarkable array of art installations. Start your visit at Kielder Castle, one of three visitor centres on site.
Wauchope
Alternatively, stay in Scotland and discover tranquil Wauchope, just a few miles north-east of Newcastleton. There are stunning views of the border and Cheviot Hills and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along its trails.
Liddesdale Heritage Centre, Newcastleton
Find out more about the history of the area at the Heritage Centre and see the beautifully carved arrowhead that was found in Newcastleton Forest.
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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
