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
Location
Start / finish at Trotter’s Bridge, minor road 1 mi west of Gorebridge town centre. Alternative start point in Gorebridge
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 ★★★★;
Gore Water
⬤ 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
NT 321591 – follow burn to east – stone grotto / tunnel – Arniston House – Arniston Mains – Harvieston Mains – path leaves A7 200m to southeast – Gore Water – start




















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