Three Brethren from Philiphaugh, Selkirk
Scottish Borders
The Three Brethren are three drystone cairns, each around 3 metres high, built in the sixteenth century to mark the meeting point of the estate lands of Selkirk, Philiphaugh and Yair. Dogs can range off lead on the open hill track, though sheep on the lower slopes call for a lead. This 9.3km circular climbs to them from Philiphaugh car park on the edge of Selkirk, following a track past Corbie Linn, a waterfall glimpsed in a wooded ravine, and a small hillside reservoir before the going opens onto grassy hill tracks with steady gradients. From the cairns there are wide views over the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and much of the Borders. The return follows a different route back to Philiphaugh. Underfoot is mostly good hill track and path, muddy in patches on the descent, with around 408 metres of climbing.
This dog friendly walk has good off-lead potential on the open hill tracks once clear of the estate roads near the start, where farm vehicles and other walkers are more likely. The Philiphaugh Estate is farmed, so sheep may be grazing the fields and hillside, and dogs should be kept close or on a lead through those sections, particularly near Corbie Linn where the ground drops steeply to the burn. There is little reliable water higher up, so bring enough for a dog on a warm day, though the burn near the reservoir gives a drink lower down. There are no facilities on the route, but Selkirk is a short drive away. Parking at Philiphaugh is free.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; cafes and shops in Selkirk, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Philiphaugh car park, off the A707 near Selkirk, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Three Brethren from Philiphaugh, Selkirk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Post Office - Hawick
Sleeps 2 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £457 / 7 nights
The Byre At Brothershiels
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £673 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Scottish BordersFrequently Asked Questions
Is Three Brethren from Philiphaugh, Selkirk dog friendly?
Three Brethren from Philiphaugh is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 9.3km circular route offers good off-lead stretches on the open hill tracks, with sweeping views over the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys as your reward at the top. The main things to be aware of are sheep on the lower slopes and some steep ground near Corbie Linn, so a lead is needed in those sections.
Can dogs be off lead at Three Brethren from Philiphaugh, Selkirk?
There's good off-lead potential once you're clear of the estate roads near the start and up onto the open grassy hill tracks — that's where dogs can really stretch their legs. Near the start, farm vehicles and other walkers make keeping dogs closer a sensible idea, and sheep grazing the fields and hillside mean leads are needed through those sections, particularly around Corbie Linn where the ground drops steeply to the burn. Higher up on the open hill, the going opens out nicely and well-behaved dogs can enjoy plenty of freedom.
What should I know before visiting Three Brethren from Philiphaugh, Selkirk with my dog?
Philiphaugh Estate is actively farmed, so expect sheep on the lower slopes and fields — keep your dog on a lead or close by your side through those areas, especially near Corbie Linn where the steep drop to the burn adds an extra hazard. There's no reliable water higher up on the route, so bring enough for your dog on a warm day, though the burn near the reservoir offers a drink lower down. The path is mostly good hill track but can be muddy on the descent, and there are no facilities on the route itself — Selkirk is a short drive away if you need a café stop afterwards. Parking at Philiphaugh car park is free.
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