The Nancy Teuch Show path on map

Start location: Hunterfield Road, B704 ( NT 342 619 )

End location: Shank Bridge ( NT 337 614 )

Geographical area: Lothian and Borders

Path type: Industrial Path

Path distance: 0.7km

Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians

Route Description

This old right of way is well used, and starts opposite the church and leisure centre in Gorebridge, where it has a signpost. The route is straight down a slope, with housing developments on either side, then playing fields on the right. Beyond the houses the route bends slightly to the right; the surface improves from beaten earth to old hardcore; this was a busy coalfield in bygone days. On reaching the (well-fenced) Borders Railway, turn right at a signpost. The route is tarmac here and in good condition. After 100m, turn left to cross the railway by a pedestrian bridge (46 steps up). Beyond the bridge, the route is well defined through woodland; keep left at a signpost to reach Shank Bridge and the A7.

OS Landranger 66 (Edinburgh & Midlothian area)

Heritage Information

This old route is known as the Nancy Teuch, but the story as to who she was is somwhat obscure. The Heritage Paths project was originally told it was thought she was probably a miner's wife who went down to the Arniston Colliery to meet her husband. However, Gorebridge Community Cares' librarian found the answer from a member of the Gorebridge History Society: "A long, long time ago Nancy was a woman who used to go down that very path and scrape about for coal (she would 'teuch' for the coal). Up till then the path had no name but then became the Nancy 'Teuch'".