Cockburnspath, Scottish Borders
★★★
Just to the east of Cockburnspath is Pease Dean Nature Reserve, safe in the folds of the glens carved by two small burns just before they reach the sea at Pease Bay. Ancient woodland has been preserved here since the end of the last ice age, with steep valley sides having prevented too much disturbance. Exploring the reserve gives the opportunity to spot wildlife including roe deer, butterflies, dippers, treecreepers and many other small birds. Taking the longest route (as described below) allowed by the good but hilly path network creates a pleasant, two-mile walk, paling in comparison to the 212-mile marathon offered by the Southern Upland Way, which shares some of the trails. The caravan park across the road from the car park has places to buy food and drink.
Chronological photo guide
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NT 795706
GPS coordinates: 55.928425,-2.330069
No public transport within 1 mi
Car park – northern approach involves crossing a ford
Key info
3 km / 2 mi | ▲ 100 m |
1-1.5 hr
Features:
Pease Dean;
Pease Bridge viaduct
⬤ Moderate | Undulating woodland paths with boardwalks, steps and some ascent. Paths mostly clear but a little overgrown (especially in late summer) after Pease Bridge.
Anticlockwise circuit: start – cross Pease Burn – north bank of Tower Burn – south bank of Tower Burn – Pease Bridge via west bank of Pease Burn – start via east bank of Tower Burn. Reserve leaflet & map
here
On our last visit
Wildlife: Pheasants, crows, jackdaws, woodpigeons, blackbirds, blackcaps, tits, golfinches, chaffinches, chiffchaffs, robins, wrens, Speckled Wood butterflies, bumblebees; roe deer on a previous visit. Wild garlic, bluebells, primroses.
Weather: Mostly overcast at first, then sun increasingly breaking through. 9°C, light / moderate breeze.
May 2025
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