Local recommendations Glentress Forest
Pubs and restaurants
Traditional dishes, amazing views, or the perfect place to finish off a woodland walk. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.
A restaurant, deli and bar in nearby Peebles. Serving local, fresh, seasonal produce, cooked simply, without fuss.
A cycle-friendly pub with a beer garden.
Places to visit
There's lots to explore just a short drive away, from ancient holy sites and local culture, and of course, lochs.
In 1881 Peebles Hydro was built, offering a hydropathic hotel due to its very own private spring, Shieldgreen. Today, the draw is rather different: Shieldgreen now supplies the gleaming copper stills of their very own gin and tonic: 1881 Gin and Tonic 81.
There are currently access restrictions around the tower but all other areas of the site are accessible. Visit an ancient holy site associated with miracles and the grave of a saint.
Less than ten minutes' drive from Glentress is Kailzie Gardens, a botanic garden and arboretum. With 20 acres of gardens and woodlands created by generations of passionate gardeners, there’s an 18 hole putting green and pétanque rinks (also known as Boules), a children’s nature trail, and family-friendly fishery (for both bait and fly-fishing). You can even fly-fish on the River Tweed in the Kailzie Gardens’ private stretch of river.
The largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders, St Mary’s Loch is also home to a sailing club offering a range of activities including windsurfing, kayaking and rowing. Temporary memberships are available for just one day or up to a fortnight.
St Ronans overlooks the Leithen valley and was originally constructed by the Earl of Traquair as a retreat for visitors travelling to drink from the sulphurous springs. Explore and sample the spring water on tap! The centre is host to the unique ‘Cleikum Ceremonies’, held in the town every July and founded by James Hogg. Sir Walter Scott also visited St Ronans as a young boy and wrote a novel about the town in 1824.
Novelist, journalist and politician, John Buchan, was passionate about the Tweedale area -home to his parents’ families and a regular holiday destination for his family. This museum explores his life and legacy and the huge contribution he made to Scotland, the UK and the world.
Meet the adorable, 30-strong herd of Alpacas, lovingly cared for by husband and wife duo, Jean and Stuart. They offer visits and treks with the alpacas. Trek the Tweed Valley on a slow amble with alpacas, up to the hills above to take in spectacular views. There are two treks a day running from Friday to Monday, with the first at 10:00am and the second at 2:00pm. You can also visit the alpacas from Tuesday to Thursday at Velvet Hall.
Walking trails
Buzzard’s Nest Trail | 4.9km
Explore the diverse species of Glentress Forest, including areas of Scots pine, Douglas fir and Norway spruce. After a hike up to the slopes of Cardie Hill, find amazing valley views. Worth the effort, we promise!
Glen Trail | 3.3km
‘Dougie Bank’ lies just above the ponds, full of Douglas fir trees that are nearly 100 years old. Discover the Glentress Burn, passing the ponds, before winding up through the Douglas firs above.
Ponds Trail | 0.9km
Take a short walk around the peaceful Glentress ponds in a sheltered corner of the forest, where Douglas Fir once stood before a big storm. Stroll around an oasis of ash, birch and pine that is home to herons, bats and red squirrels.
Tower Trail | 9.3km
Take a longer walk and explore more quiet and mature woodland. Climb to the top of Glentress Forest, past the Iron Age settlement at Shieldgreen Tower then take in incredible views. You might even spot Buzzards and Roe deer along the way. Climb to the top of Glentress Forest, past the Iron Age settlement at Shieldgreen Tower and take in spectacular views over Peebles and Soonhope Burn.
Tweed Valley Time Trail | 3.8km
Take the moderate Time Trail from Buzzard’s Nest, which skirts around the edges of our cabins. Glimpse the area’s Iron Age past on this high level trail above the Tweed Valley, with spectacular views over Peebles to the Caddon Hills.
Around 3.8km long, this scenic walk takes around 1½ hours and, with a mostly firm, gravel surface, this is suitable for most walkers. Some sections are slightly uneven, and there are some long slopes with the odd steeper section.
Cycling trails
This multi-use route links the neighbouring towns of Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn, and passes through the village of Cardrona on quiet roads. The tarmac path follows the picturesque River Tweed for much of the way, liking off to Glentress Forest, on to further walking and biking trails at Innerleithen. It’s an excellent route for families and recreational cyclists – made even better by a new spur that travels north (off road) to the village of Eddleston.
Tweed Cycle Way | various routes
The Tweed Cycle Way is a 152km long, waymarked cycle route, running through the heart of the Scottish Borders along the River Tweed. Dip in and out of this route for a leisurely bike ride through riverside towns, with hills and forest as far as you can see.
Mountain biking trails
Apple Peel | Green
The new green graded trail runs along to the Peel building and is ideal for a gentle cruise or anyone starting out in mountain biking.
Castle Black | Black
The new black trail is like nothing else at Glentress. Enormous jumps and high speeds make this suitable for expert riders.
Green, Blue, Red and Black Taster trails
These short stand-alone loops begin and end to the south of the Peel Tower and provide a way to sample each grade of the network trail. The shared climb gradually changes in difficulty from Green to Black grade as the climb goes on, before splitting at various points to separate Green, Blue, Red and Black descents.
These trails don’t directly link into the main trail network, but can be reached via the Multi-User Path, which passes above these trails.
Smells Like Tweed Spirit | Red
Building on the pioneering Spooky Wood style, this trail has a mix of features to keep you on your toes and put a smile on your face.
Turn and Burn | Blue
The new blue trail runs very near the Eshiels Burn, and features a considerable number of turns. This one is all about fun with big berms, easy jumps and incredible views.
Dog-walking trails
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.
Neidpath Castle and Viaduct Circular
Starting at the Swimming Pool car park (fee required), the trail winds along the bank of the River Tweed, passing Hay Lodge Park, Fotheringham Bridge, The Dookits, and Neidpath Castle.
You'll then cross the river via Neidpath Viaduct, and return to the start of the walk along the river bank and over Tweed Bridge. Stop off here and enjoy views over the water.
Go Ape
Take a trip through the trees, full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays.
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. Your nearest Go Ape is right on your doorstep in Glentress Forest, where you can experience:
- Tree Top Challenge | from £36
- Zip Line Experience | from £25
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures in, or close to, Glentress Forest...
- Peebles Hydro Gin Tasting experience – get a taste of the locally made tipple, just five minutes’ drive away from the forest
- Peebles Hydro Gin Making Experience – create your own gin and bespoke label for a one-of-a-kind souvenir
- Ridelines Mountain Biking – exclusive sessions for our guests.
- Biggar Adventure – outdoor activities close to the forest, from canoeing and climbing to archery.
- Kailzie Equestrian Centre
- Velvet Hall Alpacas, Innerleithen
