📌 Selkirk, Scottish Borders
★★★★
Bowhill is one of the country homes of the Duke of Buccleuch, along with Drumlanrig Castle, Dalkeith Palace, Boughton House (England) and others. Built in 1708 by John, Lord Bowhill, it was bought by the Buccleuch family in 1747 and several extensions were carried out over the next couple of centuries. The rooms are impressive, and the art collection even more so – though photography isn’t permitted on the excellent house tour so you’ll have to go and see for yourself (limited open dates). Several waymarked trails explore the extensive grounds: the Lochs Walk encircles two tranquil lochs, the Lady’s Walk follows the River Yarrow to the impressive ruin of Newark Tower, and the Duchess’s Drive climbs to the northwest to gain panoramic views. Our Fastheugh Hill circuit combines the latter two – see our separate feature page. The house is only open for a small part of the year, so check dates before visiting.
Kitchen 
Adventure playground 
Upper Loch (Lochs Walk) 
Upper Loch (Lochs Walk) 
Walled garden (private) 
Ice house 
Lochs Walk 
Lower Loch (Lochs Walk) 
Bell o’ the Woods route 
Bell o’ the Woods route 
Yarrow Water (Lady’s Walk) 
Yarrow Water (Lady’s Walk) 
Newarkmill (Lady’s Walk) 
Newark Castle (Lady’s Walk) 
Newark Castle (Lady’s Walk) 
Fastheugh & Newark Hill ridge, visited by the Duchess’ Drive 
Fastheugh Hill, reached by the Duchess’s Drive route
🌍 Location
📌 Off the B7039 2 mi west of Selkirk
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 426278
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.540419,-2.911787
🚌 Extremely infrequent bus stops at B7009 / B7039 junction (1 mi through estate)
🚗 Car park (charge)
📝 Key info
⌚ House daily during August only. Grounds & adventure playground: 5-17 April, 3-5 May & daily, June to August 2025
🎫 £15 adult / £8 child
