Two themes stand out on a trip to Kershopefoot: the border landscape along Kershope Burn and the area’s forestry and railway history. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Kershopefoot, these differences can help you choose the focus of your trip.

Border landscape along Kershope Burn

Kershope Burn forms part of the border between England and Scotland. It flows through a steep, wooded valley separating Newcastleton Forest and Kershope Forest, before joining Liddel Water at Kershopefoot. Kershope Bridge SSSI lies 3 km east of Kershopefoot in Liddesdale, on and along Kershope Burn. Its designation as an SSSI may be subject to official updates.

Blackburn Falls lies at the confluence of Long Gill and Rough Gill. It is difficult to get close; conditions may vary after heavy rain. Check conditions before setting out. The waymarked Cross Border Trail passes Kershope Burn and the Three Counties meeting point.

Border trails and historic sites

The Across the Border route combines a border crossing with historic sites. It is listed as 18 km or 11 miles long and runs from Kershope Bridge to Kershopefoot via a 2 km section of cycle path. Check map details and route conditions before setting out. The route crosses Kershope Burn at the England–Scotland border and passes through Tourney Holm, where cross-border disputes were settled during the Reiving era. It also passes Day Holm, mentioned in the ballad of Kinmont Willie. Near Kershopefoot, Across the Border uses a former railway crossing and then follows the old railway line.

Across the Border and the Cross Border Trail have different focuses. The former combines the border crossing with historic sites and the old railway line; the waymarked trail passes Kershope Burn and the Three Counties meeting point. When choosing a route, you can therefore compare the historic sites with the named landscape features.

Forestry and railway history

Kershopefoot Camp was the first training centre for forestry workers to open in the North-West Conservancy. In 1931, an industrial camp was established at Kershopefoot to help the long-term unemployed return to work. During the Second World War, the camp served as a forestry base for the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit; later, from 1955 to 1985, it was the local office of the Forestry Commission.

Kershopefoot railway station operated from 1862 to 1969; it opened on the Border Union Railway (North British Railway). It was the first station in England on the Waverley Route. The station is closed.

Explore more destinations: Ettrickbridge, Carlops, Kelso, Heriot, Newcastleton, Walkerburn, Lauder, Buccleuch.

For the broader travel overview: The Scottish Borders.