Drove Roads and Long-Distance Paths

Drove roads have been used for centuries in Scotland for moving livestock between markets or feeding grounds. Many of these historic routes are now used as long-distance paths which are ideal for walking, cycling or riding. These routes allow travellers a great opportunity to learn about the landscape, history of the region and the lives of the people who worked the land. The box shows three of the many drove roads in the region.

The St. Cuthbert’s Way follows a 62 mile route taken by St. Cuthbert (635 – 87) from his birthplace near Melrose, to the great monastery on Lindesfarne crossing the iconic Cheviot Hills.

The Cross Border Drovers’ Road runs 52 miles from Hawick to the Pentland Hills and follows the ancient routes the drovers used to walk their livestock to market (trysts).

Opened in 1984, the Southern Upland way crosses the southern parto fScotland on its 214 miles from Portratrick to Cockburnspath. This was the first coast to coast route in the UK and it cuts through the centre of the Borders, passing over remote hills and through many towns.

This panel was stitched by Janet Cass whose father, Scott Elliot when aged 11, drove his family’s sheep flock from Newhouse, Lilliesleaf to Torwoodlee Mains, Galashiels in 1934.