In Carlops, the history of a weaving village meets paths in the Pentland Hills. Much of the long, straggling village lies within a conservation area; the Pentland Hills Regional Park also extends to Carlops. The walking destinations described include North Esk Reservoir and the Bore Stane. This gives visitors several ways to explore the area, from historic village architecture to a walk.

A Village with a Clear Origin Story

Carlops was founded in 1784, when Robert Brown, the Laird of Newhall, established a cotton mill. He had rows of weavers’ cottages built on either side of the Edinburgh–Biggar road. The weaving industry and the settlement’s layout have been connected from the outset: the rows of houses formed part of the village that grew around the new industry. This history gives the long, straggling village a specific historical context.

The original rows of houses in the conservation area have undergone little alteration. They are single-storey and have porches. These repeated features make the character of the rows tangible: alongside the story of the village’s founding, there is not just one historic building, but a distinctive type of house that extends across much of the village.

A Mill, a Bridge and a Local Legend

Patie’s Mill stands at the northern end of Carlops on the River North Esk. The former mill is dated to 1800 and originally produced wool felts for local paper mills. The building’s history is thus linked to two specific industries: processing wool into felt and local papermaking. Patie’s Mill is a Category B listed building.

Patie’s Mill Bridge, which crosses the River North Esk, is also at the northern end of the village. Dated to around 1800, the bridge is single-span, segmental-arched and built of rubble stone. At the mill, the focus is on its former use and the production of wool felt; at the bridge, it is on its design, materials and position over the river. Both structures offer different perspectives on the village’s history.

Another local story concerns the name Carlops. It is thought to be linked to the legend of two witches, Jenny Barry and Mause. According to the tale, they leapt between two rocky outcrops in the village, known as “Carline’s Loup”. This story of the name adds an explicitly legendary explanation to the village’s documented founding.

Walking and Practical Information

From Carlops, footpaths lead to North Esk Reservoir and on to the Bore Stane on a relatively easy walk. Alongside the historic buildings, this offers a different focus: a walk to named destinations in the countryside. Check path conditions before setting out so your plans reflect the current situation.

Also note that the bridge on Core Path 165 in the Carlops area is closed until further notice. Check its current status before your walk, especially if your plans include this route.

Discover more destinations: Paxton, Kershopefoot, Galashiels, Selkirk, Traquair, Saint Boswells, Roxburgh, West Linton.

For the wider travel overview: The Scottish Borders.