2. Visit a Saxon Battleground at the Twin Law Cairns, Near Longformacus
10km (3-4 hours)
Within One Hour Drive of Edinburgh
Easy Hills. Total ascent: 217m
Walking Boots Recommended but NOT Necessary
Getting to the Start
The nearest postcode is: TD11 3PE
BUT the postcode is not the start!
Please follow the instructions below once you reach Longformacus
As you drive from the Lammermuir hills through Longformacus (towards Duns), you’ll see a small road off to the right. Turn onto that small road and you’ll see the Longformacus community park on your right. You need to follow this road for about three miles. You will feel like you’re driving through Rawburn Farm but keep going! Eventually you’ll see Watch Water Reservoir and the fishery building on the other side. Drive all the way to the fishery and park in the car park. It’s free to park there.
Highlights
The walk covers part of the Southern Upland way and has some fantastic views
You’ll see two interesting landmarks:
Dippie’s Well: The inscription reads, “there is no water on the Lammermuirs sweeter than at John Dippie’s well.” John Dippie was the gamekeeper on this land at one time in history and the rumour is that he stashed his whisky here!
Twin Law Cairns: Two cairns built for twin brothers separated at birth, who unwittingly fought against each other (and died) in the Battle of Twinlaw in Saxon times. Read the poem dedicated to the brothers on the cairns AND there’s often some treats left by other walkers in the little metal box. Why not leave a treat for others there too.
Walk Description
Leave the fishery car park and turn left. Follow the farm road, passing lots of sheep, some farm buildings and a small ford.
Eventually you’ll reach a T-junction and you’ll turn left down the hill towards the small river in the valley.
Just before the river, on the right hand side, look out for Dippie’s Well. The kids can have a play on the bridges there too.
Follow the road up the hill until you see a sign off to the right for the Southern Upland Way. Follow this path all the way up the hill, with the fence on your left. Eventually, you’ll cross a style over the wall and it’s the final push to the twin cairns.
Return the way you came.
TOP TIPS
The fishery has toilets and light refreshments, but hasn’t been open on our last couple of visits. Bring a picnic and sit on the outdoor picnic benches at the fishery. Lovely!
The last time we did this walk, we managed to fit in a swim at a nearby loch! Don’t swim in Watch Water Reservoir. Drive to Whiteadder reservoir, which is about 20 minutes away. There’s a pier that you can jump off and some fantastic spots for a BBQ.
