Minch Moor Circuit from Traquair
Scottish Borders
Minch Moor rises to 567 metres above Traquair in the Tweed valley, its heather summit reached by a stretch of the Southern Upland Way. Dogs with steady recall can walk free on the Way's firm paths, though sheep on the moor mean a lead near Traquair. This 8.8km circular begins at the community hall car park in Traquair and follows the Way past an old stone gateway hung with plaques commemorating horses, to Resolution Point, an art installation cut into the heather, and on to the Cheese Well, a spring marked on a map from 1600 where travellers on the old drove road left offerings for safe passage. A signed path then leaves the Way for the final climb to the summit, with wide views over the Tweed valley and Ettrick Forest. The Way gives well-drained walking for most of the route; the alternative return is rougher and can be wet. Total climbing is 394 metres.
This dog friendly walk gives a proper hill day out, with the Southern Upland Way section offering good off-lead scope for a dog with steady recall on firm, clear ground. Sheep graze parts of the open moor, so keep dogs on a lead or close by, particularly near Traquair. There is little standing water beyond the small Cheese Well spring, so carry water for your dog. Ground can be boggy after rain and the alternative descent is rougher underfoot. There are no facilities on the route; Traquair village, at the start, has a hotel and tea room. Parking at the community hall is free.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 4 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; Traquair village at the start has a hotel and tea room.
- Parking
- Traquair Community Hall car park, off the B709, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Minch Moor Circuit from Traquair, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Byre At Brothershiels
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £673 / 7 nights
The Old Post Office - Hawick
Sleeps 2 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £457 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Scottish BordersFrequently Asked Questions
Is Minch Moor Circuit from Traquair dog friendly?
Yes, and it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The Southern Upland Way section gives firm, clear walking with good off-lead potential for a dog with reliable recall, and the summit views make it a rewarding hill day. The main caveats are sheep grazing on parts of the open moor and farmland, and the lack of water sources beyond a small historic spring, so plan accordingly.
Can dogs be off lead at Minch Moor Circuit from Traquair?
There is moderate off-lead potential, mainly on the firm, well-maintained Southern Upland Way section where a dog with good recall can range more freely. Sheep graze parts of the open moor and the farmland near Traquair, so a lead or close control is needed on those stretches. The alternative descent route is rougher and less clear, which also calls for closer control.
What should I know before visiting Minch Moor Circuit from Traquair with my dog?
This is a proper hill walk of 8.8km with 394 metres of climbing, taking three and a half to four and a half hours, so it suits a fit dog rather than a short outing. There is little water on the route beyond a small spring, so carry enough for your dog. Ground can be boggy after rain, and the alternative return path is rougher and less distinct. Parking at the Traquair community hall is free.
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