Walkmates
Walk
Route by PaulWalkmates
Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.
A hill and valley circuit on the Scottish side of the Cheviots, following the old drove road known as The Street before returning beside the Heatherhope Burn. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes for the 10.3 km route, including the climb, gates and short pauses.
Start on the roadside verge beside the public road immediately southwest of Greenhill House, also called Greenhill Lodge. This is limited roadside space, not a car park. Park completely clear of the carriageway, bridge, driveways and farm entrances. Check the signs and ground conditions on arrival; do not park inside the lodge grounds or block a passing place. There are no public toilets or refreshments on the circuit.
Walk north along the minor road to Hownam, keeping alert for vehicles on the single-track sections. At the village follow the track east onto The Street. The sustained climb takes you past Horseshoe Wood and below Hownam Rings, with views opening across the valley. Stay on the main drove track at the junctions, continuing southeast above the Heatherhope valley.
Beyond the tracks leading towards Blackbrough Hill, turn right onto the established track that winds down to Heatherhope, close to the northern end of the reservoir. Follow the valley road downstream, crossing the burns on the mapped bridges and returning through Mainside to Greenhill. Use the through road at the farm rather than wandering into yards or the lodge drive.
Expect firm road sections, rough stony and grassy tracks, gates and some muddy ground after rain. The uphill section and descent need steady footing. The route stays on established tracks and does not climb the hillfort summit or continue onto the high border ridge. Carry a map and suitable hill-walking clothing, as mist can obscure junctions and mobile reception is patchy. Keep dogs on a lead around sheep and other livestock, close gates and follow any temporary land-management notices.
Route and access references: Scottish Borders Council adopted core path plan, Area 53; Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club Hownam report, which describes the shorter Street and Heatherhope valley circuit; and Scottish Mountain Rescue, Favourite Walk by Bill Glennie, 3 April 2024, for the Greenhill verge start and valley return. Sources checked in October 2026.
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
The interactive map will load when you reach this section.
Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
For walkers
Watch: portrait video or landscape video.
Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: Walks in Scottish Borders
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.