Kelso Two Bridges: Tweed and Bridgend Park

Start at The Knowes public car park in Kelso. Allow about 2 hours for this roughly 4.6 km circuit joining the town, Bridgend Park and both bridges over the Tweed. It is a variation of the locally promoted Two Bridges walk, with a longer path through Bridgend Park and a return through the Square.

Walk through the car park to the public footway at its southwestern side. Follow the footway and short lane to Abbey Row, then take Wester Kirk Stile to the Square. Take Bridge Street past Kelso Abbey and use the pavement across Rennie's Bridge. Descend the steps on the far side into Bridgend Park. Follow the park's outer path to its western exit, then use the pavements along Station Road and Sprouston Road. At the lodge entrance, take the public woodland path down towards the Tweed. Follow the riverside path and steps up into Pinnaclehill Park.

Use the estate streets towards Sprouston Road, then The Linn and its connecting footpath to the surfaced walking and cycling path leading to Hunter's Bridge. Cross on the separated footway. At the north end, descend the steps towards Bullet Loan and join Mayfield Riverside Walk. Follow the river upstream to Bridge Street, then return through the Square and Wester Kirk Stile to the car park.

There are several flights of steps, short climbs, cobbled paving and earth or grassy sections. Mud, wet leaves and icy steps need care. The residential streets and road crossings carry traffic; use pavements where provided and cross only when there is a clear gap. Both bridges carry vehicles, so stay on their footways. Keep back from the river and avoid low paths in flood conditions. This is not a step-free walk. Bring water and footwear with a good grip.

The council currently lists The Knowes as free parking; check the signs for changes or restrictions. Cafés and other facilities are available in the town centre, subject to opening hours.

Researched on 2 October 2026 using the council's Paths Around Kelso route map, Visit Kelso's walking information, current parking information and OpenStreetMap. The council closure list was checked. This is researched guidance, not a firsthand condition report; recheck local notices before setting out. Mapping: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Sources: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/downloads/file/684/kelso ; https://www.visitkelso.com/listing/walks-around-kelso-and-the-surrounding-area/ ; https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory-record/12898/the-knowes ; https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/downloads/download/357/path-closures