Image shared for Duns Hen Poo Lake and St Mary’s Glade
Park / Green space Circular

Duns Hen Poo Lake and St Mary’s Glade

Scottish Borders

Distance
2.5 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the Showground public car park beside Market Square in Duns. Follow Castle Street uphill and enter the estate through the North Lodge archway. The estate road leads past the Duns Scotus cairn to the eastern side of Hen Poo Lake, with views across the water towards Duns Castle.

Continue around the northern end of the lake, then take the woodland path through St Mary’s Glade. Return south on the established estate track and rejoin the outward route near the cairn before walking back into town. This is a shorter lake and woodland circuit, rather than the full Colonel’s Walk.

Expect tarmac, uneven woodland paths, muddy patches and gates. Wear shoes with grip and keep dogs close around wildfowl. Stay on the walking route and away from the castle’s private lawns. Follow any estate notices and avoid the Colonel’s Walk extension, where current mapping reports fallen trees and dangerous access. Shops and refreshments are available in Duns. Allow around two hours at an unhurried pace.

Route researched from Scottish Borders Council’s Paths Around Duns and current mapping; access information checked 3 October 2026.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Park / Green space
Distance
2.5 mi (4.0 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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