Walk at Hirsel

This walk is best taken in late May early June when the wonderful rhododendron and azalea collection at Dundock Wood is at its best. The walk extends to about a mile. From the car park go west along the south side of the lake, at the western end take the track up a short rise over the top and down towards the wood.

The ground is not naturally acid, a requirement for rhododendron and azaleas, and in about 1870 several hundred cart loads of peat were brought down to the estate from the Lammermuir hills to create conditions suitable for acid loving plants. Within the wood there are several fine trees, notably the Scots Pine with their wonderfully coloured bark, seen at their best on a summers evening.

Several seats within the wood provide an opportunity to rest a while and take in the natural beauty of the setting. On returning to the car park the visit or can extend the walk by passing down the north side of the lake, rejoining the main drive and back to the car park.