Earlston Paths Group

The Earlston Paths Group decided to create and name its new route the “Diamond Jubilee Path 2012” to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, aiming to provide a lasting local legacy to this important event. 

Following the east side of the river Leader, it creates a circular route with the Leader Water Path and is a true “country walk," taking walkers through broad leaf woodland, commercial forestry, riverside, open grassland and farmland.  The degree of difficulty varies considerably, with some easy short sections and other much more demanding ones - suitable clothing and footwear are recommended at all times. 

The Path is fully signposted and way-marked and a free leaflet containing instructions, map, photographs and useful information is now available through local outlets - it can also be viewed on the Scottish Borders Council website.  The 4 km route also links with the walks in our booklet Country Walks around Earlston. 

Landowner permissions and generous co-operation from them and their tenants have been crucial to the project.  We were also delighted to receive the backing of The Hon. Gerald Maitland –Carew: Lord Lieutenant, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, who has supported the project from the outset.

Grant applications to Scottish Borders Council administered funds allowed the major construction work to begin.  Smaller grants from the Forestry Commission and “Paths for All” allowed us to purchase tools, commission a commemorative carved seat, produce a promotional leaflet and buy way-marking materials. 

The total funding secured was £27.9k.  Inevitably, costs rose but we have been fortunate to receive increased grant funding and other donations - both in cash and in kind, supplementing the contributions from the Path Group's limited funds.

The core team of volunteers started work before the funding was received in September and this helped speed the major works along.  The Diamond Jubilee Path, like all our others, would not have be possible without the Paths Group volunteers who have contributed many, many hours of otherwise expensive labour even in the depth of winter.