Greenknowe Tower: grounds open, tower closed
The grounds of Greenknowe Tower are open to explore; the tower remains closed for now during ongoing major conservation work and can be viewed from behind a protective fence. Greenknowe Tower is designated as a Scheduled Monument. The distinction matters for your visit: you can explore the grounds, but you cannot currently enter the tower. Check the visitor status again before you travel.
Churches and their layers of history
St Michaels Parish Church is thought to stand on a church site dating from the 12th century. The church was built in 1763; later additions date from 1897. Its churchyard contains gravestones from the 18th and 19th centuries. This distinguishes the assumed early history from the specific construction dates: the medieval church site is a historical interpretation, while the church’s construction and later additions are dated.
Gordon Old East End Church is a former Free Church, prominently located at the eastern entrance to Gordon on the A6105. The building dates from 1843, with additions dating from 1893. A porch, tower, bell tower and a library intended for the minister were donated by Mr Wood Brown in 1892. The dates therefore refer to different events: the building, the donation and the later additions. Those interested in architectural history can use the dates to distinguish these events rather than attributing the features to a single building phase.
Natural sites and choosing a route
The directions also distinguish two natural sites: Gordon Moss lies less than 1 km west of Gordon and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Gordon Community Woodland lies one mile east of the village of Gordon on the A6105. The different distances and directions help you tell the two sites apart when planning; they are not walking times.
The Scottish Borders Council’s 2012 accessibility guide describes the path in Gordon Community Woodland as accessible and suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. This path starts at the main car park on the A6105 and leads to a picnic area. Other paths run through the woodland on gentle gradients. The guide mentions various deciduous trees, a large pond, picnic areas and benches. A large stone pillar marks the main car park.
When choosing a route, it is worth distinguishing the described path to the picnic area from the other paths with gentle gradients. The information about suitability for wheelchair users refers to use with assistance. If accessible conditions are essential for your visit, check the current path conditions in advance.
Plan your bus journey
A timetable valid from 25 November 2024 lists bus Service 84 between Kelso and Gordon via Kelso Hospital and High Croft. Check the timetable applicable to your travel date before relying on this connection as part of your journey. This keeps your travel plans tied to your actual travel dates, while you can choose places according to the topics that interest you: church architecture, an outdoor visit to Greenknowe Tower, or trails and nature at Gordon Community Woodland.
Discover more destinations: Saint Boswells, Selkirk, Kelso, Newcastleton, Paxton, Morebattle, Peebles, Earlston
For the broader travel overview: The Scottish Borders.
