Leaderfoot Viaduct
This walk takes you to the impressive Leaderfoot Viaduct in Melrose on the Scottish Borders. The disused railway viaduct crosses the River Tweed a few miles east of the town.
Start the walk from Melrose Abbey and head north to the River. You can then pick up a nice riverside path heading east to the structure. Here you'll also find the Drygrange Old Bridge, a road bridge dating from 1776, and its modern successor sitting just to the east of the viaduct. To the south you will find the fascinating Roman settlement of Trimontium where there are great views back to the viaduct. Cross the river on the new bridge an you can enjoy more fine views down the Tweed.
To continue your walking in Melrose head up to the Eildon Hills. There's fabulous views over the Scottish Borders, Melrose Abbey and Leaderfoot Viaduct from here.
Leaderfoot Viaduct Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Leaderfoot Viaduct Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Leaderfoot Viaduct OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Leaderfoot Viaduct Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the east of Melrose there's the climb to Scott's View to try. The viewpoint is named after Sir Walter Scott, author of novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. From here you can enjoy some wonderful views over the town and the surrounding hills and countryside.