Peniel Heugh and the Waterloo Monument from Harestanes
Scottish Borders
This 7.3km circular begins at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre near Ancrum, close to Jedburgh, and combines the waymarked route to Peniel Heugh with the Folly Loch circuit. Harestanes has a dog area with water bowls and towels, and dogs range freely on the quieter woodland paths. Paths run through deciduous woodland past a former cricket pitch and mature beeches, cross the Monteviot estate near its stables, then climb through trees to the summit of Peniel Heugh. Here stands the Waterloo Monument, an obelisk around 150 feet high built between 1817 and 1824 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, on a hill also the site of an iron age fort. The return descends towards Folly Loch and rejoins St Cuthbert's Way, following the old Roman road of Dere Street back to Harestanes. Total climbing is 172 metres on good paths, tracks and minor roads, with one rougher, muddier optional descent.
This dog friendly walk has moderate off-lead potential on the quieter woodland sections away from the visitor centre, where paths are wide and easy going for a dog. St Cuthbert's Way and the roads near Monteviot see other walkers and occasional traffic, so keep dogs closer there. There are no obvious grazing fields directly on this route, though it crosses working estate land, so recall still matters. Harestanes has a cafe, toilets and an information centre at the start, with a dog area offering water bowls and towels. Allow around two and a half hours, and take the shorter descent if muddy ground is a concern for an older dog.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets and information centre at Harestanes, with a dog area offering water bowls and towels.
- Parking
- Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre car park, Ancrum, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Peniel Heugh and the Waterloo Monument from Harestanes, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Wells Stable Coach House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £540 / 7 nights
Green Cottage - Swinton
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £839 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Scottish BordersFrequently Asked Questions
Is Peniel Heugh and the Waterloo Monument from Harestanes dog friendly?
This walk earns a solid 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre sets a welcoming tone with a dedicated dog area complete with water bowls and towels, and the woodland paths are wide and easy-going for dogs. The route does cross working estate land near Monteviot, and sections of St Cuthbert's Way and minor roads see other walkers and occasional traffic, so it's not without its considerations.
Can dogs be off lead at Peniel Heugh and the Waterloo Monument from Harestanes?
There's a good amount of off-lead potential on the quieter woodland sections away from the visitor centre, where paths are wide and relaxed. On St Cuthbert's Way and the roads near the Monteviot estate, it's worth keeping dogs closer due to other walkers and occasional traffic. There are no obvious grazing fields directly on the route, but as the walk crosses working estate land, a reliable recall is still important throughout.
What should I know before visiting Peniel Heugh and the Waterloo Monument from Harestanes with my dog?
The walk is 7.3km and takes around two and a half hours, with 172 metres of climbing on generally good paths, tracks and minor roads. There is one rougher, muddier optional descent, so if you're walking with an older dog it's worth taking the shorter alternative in wet conditions. Parking is free at the Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre car park, which also has a cafe, toilets and an information centre — a handy base before and after the walk.
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