Stbjed one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I have walked this route a couple of times, avoiding the long way round Harestanes as others have said, using Woodside for a fuel break and then onto Dere Street and into Jed. The alternative is after crossing the main road at the bridge and heading up Dere Street turn right along the road and use that into town, there is a path on the righ that crosses the Jed water and this is quicker into the conurbation - depends on how slow you want to be.

Route STBJED. Report by Mike Masson

I walked this route, split over 2 days. On the 3rd May 2022 I walked from St Boswells to Woodside on the 7th May from Woodside to Jedburgh.
The initial start from St Boswells to joining the Tweed walks through the town on the main road for about 1/3 mile to reach the Golf Course. Alternatively, you could head from the Bus Station and turn left before the church and follow the small road onto the bumpy track on the top of the cliffs above the Tweed which joins the marked route at the Golf Course . The walkers route beside the Golf Course winds its way round trees and tree roots but causes no issues. The route round the bight of the river has excellent views, and from the height of the flood debris you can see how high the river can get, and why some parts of the route can be quite muddy. The exit from the River to go to the church at Maxton is well marked. Just before reaching the A68 the left turn onto Dere St and St Cuthbert’s Way is clearly marked. There is plenty of information about the history of the area at Lilliards Stone. The straitish track past Lilliards Edge has excellent views towards the Monteath Mausoleum , The Baron’s Folly and Peniel Heugh Tower (Waterloo Memorial). Lunch was at the Woodside Café.

The following Sunday leaving Woodside I rejoined Dere St and St Cuthbert’s way and crossed the B6400 into the grounds of Monteviot House. Note that the O/S maps do not show the correct route of Dere St and St Cuthberts Way past Woodside, but the ground waymarks are clear and correct. At that point while the Route instructions are quite clear they take you on a deviation by Harestanes where there is a Café. If you follow the instructions/waymarks for St Cuthberts Way (East) you can save ½ mile of walking and are again on the correct route . This section among the trees can get quite muddy. From there on a roughish track you circuit round Monteviot House following the waymarks for Dere St and St Cuthberts Way. Again on roughish ground you reach the Teviot River and take a superb long suspension bridge to cross the river. Excellent views up and down the river. Going east you follow the river bank until Jed Water forces you to go to the bridge where you have to climb up steps to the A698 to Kelso . You go East crossing the Bridge and immediately turn right onto a minor road toward Jedburgh. Just 150 yds later bear left onto Dere St, and St Cuthberts way with good signposts. Dere St is quite a wide rutted track at this stage and after about ¾ of a mile of climbing ,some of it quite steep, you have to turn right off Dere St onto The Borders Abbey Way, again with clear sign posting. At that point there are nice views to the north of the Teviot valley. You are now on a narrow path, rather rough and stony, which eventually becomes a tarmac road past a communication Tower. This road gradually descends joining 2 other until reaching Jedburgh at a bridge over the Jed Water. At this point cross the A68 and follow the south bank of the river (Borders Abbey Way) passing the spectacular cliffs on the other side of the river. This takes you back to the A68 again, which you again cross. The signposted route takes the long but safe route using an under pass, but as traffic was light, I just walked across the road and walked beside the Jed Water past the old Bridge. The Borders Abbey way then takes you on an underpass under the A68 to Jedburgh Bus Station.
A very pleasant walk with no difficulties. In view of the steps and the rough narrow track in places it is not a route suitable for wheel chairs.

I have only walked this route from St Boswells to Bonjedward. However, the route continues from there on St Cuthbert's Way and then the Borders Abbey Way so it should be straightforward. The route is attractive with a mix of scenery and is never tedious. St Cuthbert's Way is well waymarked and there is a reasonable path throughout although it is a little rough in places and there is perhaps a little more ascent and descent than might be expected. When it reaches Dere Street, the line of the old Roman road, it looks as if there is a very long straight stretch. However, the path meanders to avoid trees, whin bushes and the few damp patches and is really pleasant to walk along. There are many places where there are good views, for example at Lilliards Stone (NT619274). The Bird House Tearoom at the Woodside Garden Centre is recommended for home-made food including cake and is in a good location for lunch. Watch out for its signpost about 100 metres before the B6400 is reached.

The marked route is fine although the current plotting (May 2022) is not always in quite the right place - follow the St Cuthbert's Way signs. At the very start of the walk it is possible to avoid some road walking by taking a lane just before the church on the left which turns into a path that goes down to the bank of the Tweed. When river levels are low it is possible to go under the arch of Mertoun Bridge rather than having to cross the B6404. The original route goes in a loop round by Harestanes, presumably to pass its cafe. However, that loop can be omitted.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.