Walks and trails at Glentress Forest, Peebles

Discover the unique landscape of the Scottish Borders

Walks for all abilities at Glentress

Embrace a slower pace in the forest and discover the incredible Glentress Forest on foot. With more than 20 walking and cycling trails across the forest, you’ll find something for everyone – peaceful ponds, acres to roam, or steep climbs to breathtaking views. With a multi-user path that connects into existing walks, the routes are accessible to all, including wheelchair users. Across the Tweed Valley Forest Park, there are even more routes and trails to explore, as well as family day trip routes out to the nearby town of Peebles.

Explore the Tweed Valley Time Trail

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.

Glentress Walking Route Card (pdf)

  • Scots pine in the woodland surrounding Strathyre, Scotland

    Hike the Buzzard’s Nest Trail

    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!

    Mother and roe deer in a meadow together

    Trek the Tower Trail

    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.

  • Red squirrel in Scotland

    Stroll the Ponds Trail

    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.

    Glen Trail
    Walk the Glen Trail

    Walk the Glen Trail

    ‘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.