We had the pleasure of walking along the Leader Water Path in June this year and were amazed at the beauty and tranquility in this area.
Our adventure started at the Clockhouse in Rags Lane.
The Clockhouse
This unusual and enchanting little cottage has a most peaceful situation on a 45 acre country estate between the villages of Earlston and Redpath, near Melrose in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
Clock
Standing quite alone at the end of one of the drives to the Big House.
Log store adjacent to cottage
The garage underneath the cottage
The Big House
View from the Clockhouse kitchen
It would have been the coach house and coachman’s quarters in previous times. Nowadays, the lower part is used as a garage for the owner’s ‘classic’ cars and this can be annoying at times, and sometimes the smell of petrol can spoil the otherwise country air. The cars kept under the accommodation are like the ones you would find pre 1950, so have a word with the owners and you may get a free ride too!
The accommodation is snug and full of character, kitchen on the ground floor and upstairs is a charming sitting room with electric stove, a twin bedroom, double bedroom, and a bathroom.
Main entrance and kitchen with electric stove
Upstairs Lounge with small Portable TV Freeview only
Main bedroom
Bathroom with working shower
Away from the wee cottage and off to explore the Leader Water Path. Tall trees and well constructed paths; the sound of wildlife and breathing in fresh air is wonderful.
The Leader
The Big House
We certainly needed a break from the walking, because it can be quite tiring climbing some steep inclines. My partner spotted what looked like a large bench ahead and we were amazed to come across an absolutely wonderful piece of woodwork.
Badger Bench
We decided to head back to our base at this point as we could see the dark clouds approaching from the direction of Oxton, so started to quick march back down the hills.
Stopped to look at some fascinating mushrooms living up a tree, certainly one for the fungii enthusiasts in this part of the world!
Mushroom Tree
As we approached the Clockhouse, along Rags Lane, the rain cloud had miraculously changed direction heading west, so we had some more rays of sunshine in which to bask ourselves on the Tennis Court adjacent to the cottage. The Summer House, which overlooks the tennis court, is very much keeping in style with the classic cars and general ‘back in time’ feel to this part of the world, even the ball and tennis rackets may have once belonged to Fred Perry fans!
There are facilities here for a Barbeque but unsure if this for the guests or the residents of the big house
Summer House
Tennis Court and Summer House
Tennis Court
If you like peace and quiet (most of the time), no street lights to illuminate the area outside the cottage – I say this because we heard lots of noises outside at night in the trees from animals or were they something else?! – and lots of natural hills and walks around, then this is a place to come to. We wouldn’t stay at this cottage again, due to safety concerns. However the walks around are well worth the drive (park near the cottage).
Directions:
Drive down the A68, turning left along the High Street, turn right towards the Coop, (B6356) drive straight on and about a mile and a half on the right of the winding road there is the entrance for Cowdenknowes Farm. Take this opening and drive slowly down the gravel track (no choice to drive slowly unless you have a 4 x 4), and follow keeping right. Grid reference 55.625738,-2.673852
Oxton and Channelkirk 