Pennymuir to Whitton Edge: Dere Street track return

Follow the old Dere Street north from Pennymuir into the rolling Cheviot foothills, then return along the same track. This 10.4 km walk takes about three hours, allowing time to look at the Roman road earthworks and the views across the upper Kale valley.

Start at the wide roadside verge beside the Roman camp information board, just southwest of the Pennymuir Hall junction. The Horse Trails around the Scottish Borders guide recommends careful verge parking here. This is roadside parking with limited space, not a formal car park. Keep the junction, gates and carriageway clear, check local signs on arrival and avoid the soft or waterlogged parts of the verge. The hall apron and field gate are not the parking point.

Walk the short road approach to the junction, then take Dere Street north beside the east side of the hall and its wall. Stay on the main defined track as it climbs through grazing country. The standing stone, Five Stanes burial-cairn remains and the earthworks of Cunzierton hill fort give this stretch its archaeological interest. Keep to the track rather than taking an unmarked detour to the fort. At Whitton Edge, where the track reaches the minor road, turn around and retrace the route to Pennymuir.

Expect grassy and rutted track, gates and muddy patches, with gradual climbs and open ground exposed to wind. Wear boots and carry a route map. Leave gates as found and keep dogs closely controlled around livestock. There are no refreshments or dependable public facilities along the route. This return does not continue to Cappuck or use its ford.

Route and access checked against Scottish Borders Council's Paths Around Jedburgh route 9a and adopted core path 111 map. Roadside parking guidance: Horse Trails around the Scottish Borders. The council's published path-closure notices were checked in October 2026.