The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hawick

Hawick offers a wonderful variety of family-friendly trails, from gentle riverside paths along the River Teviot to routes that explore the rolling Border hills. Many are designed to be accessible for different ages and abilities, focusing on manageable distances and pleasant scenery. You'll find options that are relatively flat and others with gentle climbs offering rewarding views.

Yes, for families with young children or pushchairs, Borders Abbeys Way: Hawick Loop is an excellent choice. It's an easy 4.4-mile loop featuring riverside paths and views of the River Teviot. Wilton Lodge Park also provides beautifully landscaped paths perfect for a leisurely stroll with a pushchair, offering a blend of outdoor relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Many of the family-friendly trails around Hawick are circular, making them convenient for day trips. A popular option is the Vertish Hill loop from Hawick, which is a moderate 5.4-mile trail offering good views over the surrounding area and visiting Williestruther Loch. Another great choice is the Heip Hill and Vertish Hill Loop, which provides views over the town and its surroundings.

Many trails around Hawick are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, it's always important to keep dogs under control, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or in nature reserves to protect local wildlife. Please ensure you clean up after your dog to keep the paths enjoyable for everyone.

Hawick's trails offer a variety of natural beauty. You can explore the scenic The Haining Country Estate with its beautiful Haining Loch, or discover Alemoor Loch. For panoramic views, some routes offer glimpses of the distinctive Rubers Law Summit and Trig Point, a hill with historical significance as a former Roman signal station.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Hawick, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil riverside paths to rolling hills, and the well-maintained routes that make them accessible for families. The scenic views and the opportunity to connect with nature are frequently highlighted.

For families seeking a longer and more challenging adventure, the Shielswood Loch and Drinkstone Hill loop from Hawick is a great option. This 14.0-mile (22.5 km) path takes you through more remote landscapes, offering tranquil loch views and panoramic vistas, suitable for those looking for a full day out.

The Scottish Borders are beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and stunning scenery. Summer can also be lovely, though trails may be busier. Winter walks are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.

Hawick itself offers various cafes and pubs where you can refuel before or after your hike. Wilton Lodge Park, a popular starting point for many walks, is also conveniently located within the town, providing easy access to amenities.

Many of the family-friendly trails around Hawick are easily accessible from the town center, where public parking is available. For routes starting slightly outside the town, specific parking areas are usually indicated near the trailheads. Wilton Lodge Park, a central hub for many walks, also has dedicated parking facilities.

There are over 40 family-friendly hiking routes around Hawick, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures. This includes 18 easy routes perfect for all ages and 22 moderate trails for families looking for a bit more of a challenge.