On the 29th December, in the torrential rain, Tweedsmuir residents gathered to open four new walks at the Logan.

To enjoy this walk you should park at the Logan Layby on the A701, between Stanhope Estate and Kingledores Farm.

We have been working to create a series of walks, of varying difficulty, in the beautiful Mossfennan hills, taking you back through history to understand how Tweedsmuir residents lived centuries ago.

These routes take you to a number of interesting archaeological sites, that have been investigated by Biggar Archaeology Group (external link will open in a new browser tab or window). You can visit an iron age hill fort, discover a number of burnt mounds (bronze age ‘hot tubs’) and explore the ruins of an 18th century Bastille house. The route is waymarked, and includes a couple of interpretation boards that provide information on the history of the surroundings.

If you are feeling very energetic you might fancy a climb to the top of Worm Hill, for some amazing panoramic views of Tweedsmuir, Broughton and Glenholm.

In Old Scots, Worm (Wyrm) meant a reptilian monster, and Worm Hill may be so named because it resembles a snake-like dragon, coiled round in a circle. There are legends in many places about the name Worm Hill, such as the Lambton Worm in County Durham which was caught in the river and terrorised a village. The worm curled itself around the hill. Could this story have been retold by storytellers about the Worm caught in the Tweed?

These new walks have been created with kind permission of Sandy, Ann and Tom Welsh. We have also received funding from Paths for All, Scottish Borders Council and the Fallago Environment Fund.

Please remember this is a working farm, access the countryside responsibly, close gates and keep all dogs on their leads.