Circuit of St Mary's Loch

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
12 kms	03:00 (hrs:mins)	240 metres	Explorer 337: Peebles & Innerleithen

Description

At around 3 miles long and 40 metres deep, St. Mary's Loch is the largest natural loch in the Borders area.

Arguably the best feature of this walk is it's capacity for ever-changing and beautiful views across St. Mary's Loch. Beginning at the southern end of the loch, the walk follows an anti-clockwise circuit with no real gradients other than the (optional) steep climb up to the old St Mary's graveyard on the return leg. This climb is well worth the effort though, as the views up and down the loch from here are quite stunning.

As for wildlife, small brown Meadow Pipits are the most common bird to be seen, but occasionally Buzzard, Short-eared Owl and Black Grouse may also be spotted. On the loch itself, a few duck such as Mallard, Pochard and Goosander may be seen and during the winter months, Goldeneye and Whooper Swans also visit.

Access Info

There is plenty of room for parking at the side of the road, on the grass, near the start point of the walk. Alternatively, the route can be started further up the main road from one of the lay-bys.