Gorebridge, Midlothian
★★★
They say good things come in threes – and this good, varied circuit comes in three parts. First, an amble along the wooded South Esk to Temple Church: ancient HQ for the Knight’s Templar in Scotland. Second, a stroll through the grounds of grand Arniston House (the interior of which can be toured in the summer months). Finally, a return along the Gore Water on the fringes of Gorebridge.
Chronological photo guide
Waterfalls on the River South Esk 
River South Esk 
Rocky scenery – there’s a small cave in the cliff on the left 
Daffodils 
Informal side paths can be used to explore the river bank further 
Pentland Hills in the distance 
Woodland path 
River South Esk 
There are several small waterfalls on the extension to Temple Church 
Braidwood Bridge 
Path to Temple Church 
Temple Church 
Path towards Arniston House 
Grotto / tunnel 
Arniston House 
Track to Arniston Mains 
Track to Harvieston Mains 
Pond by the Gore Water 
Gore Water
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NT 331620
GPS coordinates: 55.846280,-3.069989
Train / bus to Gorebridge, at a slightly different point on the route
Car park
Key info
11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 250 m |
3-3.5 hr
Features:
River South Esk;
Temple Church (Midlothian) ★;
Arniston House ★★★★;
⬤ Moderate | Paths and tracks – some steps and muddy sections, especially around Temple.
Anticlockwise circuit with extension to Temple Church: start – River South Esk – Temple Church – return to path junction at
On our last visit
Wildlife: Grey squirrels, dippers, grey wagtails. Sheep and horses in nearby fields.
Weather: 5°C with a cold wind at times. Sunny to start following overnight rain / snow, but clouding over later.
March 2021
