Earlston Paths Group

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into
effect in February 2005.  The Land Reform (Scotland) Act establishes a statutory right of
responsible access to land and inland waters for outdoor recreation, crossing land, and
some educational and commercial purposes.  The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights, and when you are managing land and water.  The Act sets out where and when access rights apply.  The Code defines how access rights should be exercised responsibly. 

Full details of the Scottish Outdoor Access code can be found at :                            http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Litter & Fires
Please take all litter home with you: it’s not fair to expect local volunteers to clean up after you.  Fires should not be lit on any of the Earlston Paths routes.

Dogs & Livestock
Some of the walks described in this booklet pass through livestock farming areas. Dogs and livestock don’t mix – whether it’s cows, calves, sheep, lambs, horses or foals – and it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog does not give animals or farmers cause for concern.  Equally you should have your own safety in mind when entering an area with cows or horses, especially if calves or foals are present.

Gates & walls
Please leave all gates as you find them and ensure that if you have to open a gate, you
close it securely behind you.  Do not climb over fences or walls except in an extreme
emergency.  If a route forces you to climb over a secured gate, remember to mount it at
the hinged end.

Following the promoted paths
The routes maintained by the Earlston Paths Group are normally marked with distinctive green and yellow Earlston Paths discs.

Finger posts are also located along the paths and provide additional information.  Shorter way-mark posts, generally used along a path to confirm the route, may either have the Earlston Paths disc or a yellow arrow.  Discs may also be displayed on convenient fence posts.  Some of the walks described in the booklet link to sections
of the Southern Upland Way and Borders Abbeys Way, which have their own distinctive logos: The Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger or 1:25,000 Explorer maps can be used to provide more detailed information about surrounding hills, paths and other points of interest in the area.

Safety
It is always advisable to let someone know where you intend to walk, before setting
out or by leaving a note in your car.  Remember that mobile phone coverage cannot be
assumed on all the paths in this booklet.
Take care when walking along country roads and wherever possible use pavements or
paths.  If there is no pavement or path, walk on the right hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic.  Keep close to the side of the road, be aware and walk in single file.  If appropriate, cross to the opposite side of the road to negotiate sharp bends.  Remember that traffic can also approach from the rear.

Weather
If setting out on a longer walk it is always advisable to check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.  Sunshine, wind, rain or snow all demand different levels of preparation.  Weather conditions can change rapidly.  Remember there is no such thing
as bad weather – just the wrong clothing and bad planning.

Clothing & footwear
The majority of the walks are along hill, field or woodland tracks and may be stony and
muddy in places after rain.  Suitable walking boots are therefore recommended.  For
longer hill walks, good waterproofs should be worn or carried.

Parking
In Earlston there is ample parking in the Square, from where our walks start, or in adjoining roads.  In Redpath parking is at the village hall, but it is fairly restricted.  In Lauder there is ample parking, especially at the foot of the Southern Upland Way. There is also ample parking space at the Leaderfoot Viewpoint and at the Rhymer’s Stone. Please park with consideration.

Toilets & Refreshments
There are public toilets in the Square in Earlston and in Lauder.  Earlston and Lauder
also have food shops, cafés and public houses.  There are no facilities at Redpath or
Leaderfoot.

Public Transport
Most of the starting, mid-way and finishing points in the described walks can be linked
to public transport.  However, services in rural areas are often infrequent or subject to
change, so we strongly recommend that you check with operators when planning your
route.  The main operators in the area are: Munro’s, First Bus and Perryman’s. Timetables and fares can be checked via Traveline; telephone 0871 200 22 33 or the web site:  www.travelinescotland.com.

Disclaimer
We have done our best to ensure that the information contained in the Country Walks around Earlston and Redpath booklet is accurate at the time of going to print. Inevitably changes may occur to the routes and conditions underfoot and you must assess whether undertaking a walk presents any personal risk based on your health and fitness, capability and experience.  No liability is accepted by Earlston Paths Group for any loss, damage or injury arising to persons undertaking any of the routes described in this booklet.