Ettrickbridge to Roberton Drove Road Show path on map

Start location: Ettrickbridge ( NT 391 243 )

End location: Roberton ( NT 433 142 )

Geographical area: Lothian and Borders

Path type: Drove Road

Path distance: 15km

Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians

Route Description

From just east of the bridge over the Ettrick Water in Ettrickbridge, go southwest up the track past Helmburn, then south round Helmburn Hill, joined by another track (Buccleuch Country Ride) from Howford on the left. Head southeast uphill, the riding route leaving after 1.5km, and continue on a path southeast, passing between The Dod and Akermoor Loch (the path is obscure over boggy ground across the Blindhaugh Burn). Pass through the windfarm and go down the valley by keeping east of Langhope Cleuch to join to the track to Todrig. Go south over Whitslaid Hill, and from Whitslade continue on an unmade road over the Ale Water and up by Cadger’s Hole. Leave the road where it crosses the burn (NT437173) and head up its west side to Blawearie. Head southwest by the public road for 1.5km to NT433158, then by a waymarked track through Borthwickshiels wood via Glenburn down to Roberton.

Heritage Information

A old droving route. Cadger's Hole gives place-name evidence of likely other use by individual itinerant traders.