Craik Forest

About Walk Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests

Where we are

The Spruce Trail (blue) and lower car park remain closed due to fallen trees after storms Isha and Jocelyn. We will update the webpage as soon as the trees have been cleared.

Aithouse Burn Trail (red trail) - fallen trees block the trail between point 2 and 3 and around point 4. An alternative red trail walk is signposted on the ground, please follow the red waymarkers clockwise starting at the carpark. From point 2 onwards follow the temporary signage that avoids the sections with fallen trees.

The Burnside Trail (white) is open as an easy grade.

The upper car park is open.

About

A stump carved into a squirrel eating an acorn, behind is a pine woodland

A mixed woodland path with branches over hanging and wild flowers sitting alongside the walkway

A stunning woodland landscape with tranquil trails

Craik Forest is great for when you want to ‘get away from it all’. Nestling in the heart of the Southern Uplands, this large, remote woodland is home to red squirrels and many woodland birds.

Some of the trees here are over 100 years old, and the size and isolation of the forest makes it a great place for wildlife.

Walking trails

Craik Forest route card (PDF)

Walking

Burnside Trail

Open - easy graded only.

A short stroll along the peaceful Borthwick Water, through graceful larch. Perfect for a picnic.

Wide and firm track throughout, with occasional loose gravel. Gentle rises and one section of boardwalk.

Easy (all abilities) trail grade icon grade icon

¼ miles / 0.36 km

Allow ¼ hours

More information

Find out about the salmon that spawn in the burn, and the bats, owls and squirrels that live in the trees.

Walking

Spruce Trail (closed)

17 July 2024: trail closed due to fallen trees after storms Isha and Jocelyn. We will reopen access once it is safe to do so.

A wee daunder along the burn and through mature, moss-clad Norway spruce trees, a favourite habitat of the red squirrel.

Uneven gravel and earth paths. Some exposed tree roots and potentially muddy sections. Two short steep slopes and a pair of bridges.

½ miles / 0.8 km

Allow ½ hours

Walking

Aithouse Burn Trail (closed)

Fallen trees block the trail between point 2 and 3 and around point 4. An alternative red trail walk is signposted on the ground, please follow the red waymarkers clockwise starting at the carpark. From point 2 onwards follow the temporary signage that avoids the sections with fallen trees.

Walk through some of Craik’s oldest trees and along the lovely Aithouse Burn. Great views over the forest.

Uneven grass and earth paths with some muddy sections. Some steep slopes. Includes a bridge and section of boardwalk.

1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km

Allow 1 hour

More information

There's opportunities to spot red squirrels and woodland birds, so bring your binoculars.

Facilities and access

Viewpoint

Walking

All ability trails

Parking

Picnic area

Find a bite to eat nearby

You’ll find public toilets and places to eat in Hawick.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

From Hawick, follow the A7 towards Carlisle. At Martins Bridge turn onto the B711, signposted for Roberton. After about 3 ¼ miles, just beyond the school in Roberton, turn left and follow the unclassified single track road for about 6 ½ miles to the car park. Craik Forest is well signposted.