Welcome to the first of our Walk of the Month features courtesy of our friends at Town of 1,000 Trails.
We hope you enjoy getting out and about in the fantastic countryside we have right here on our doorstep.
Harden Glen, an intermediate 12-mile walking loop route, gets us under way, and is perfect for an afternoon’s worth of walking as we all verge towards March and its promise of milder weather conditions.
The walk itself promises varied walking around a famous reiving stronghold, surrounded by local farmland and spectacular views of the local countryside as you venture into the grand open hill country.
Beginning at the Common Haugh, walkers will initially enter Wilton Lodge Park, passing the museum, before leaving the town via the hard-surfaced Whitehaugh Road.
As you begin to venture higher into the hillsides that overlook the town, fantastic views of Hawick in all its glory will begin to emerge – a superb photo opportunity on a clear day.
On the route you will pass the Ogilvie Cairn, which was the favourite spot of the Scottish-Australian poet Will H. Ogilvie.
Delving further into the trail, you will pass near to Harden House, which is home to Lord Polwarth, a direct descendent of one of the most notable Border reivers, Walter “Auld Wat” Scott of Harden.
The house itself is strikingly situated above a deep ravine, known as ‘the Beeftub’.
In days gone by, cattle taken from moonlit raids were hidden in there, leading to the motto “there will be moonlight again” being given to the Harden Scotts.
As you return back towards Wilton Lodge Park, you will find an opportunity to take a break and relax after a lengthy walk. The cafe offers refreshments and fresh local baking for anyone looking for a post-walk pick-me-up.
Walkers are reminded to be respectful on this trail and to abide by The Countryside Code.
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