Walk at Hirsel

This is one of the longer walks and extends to about 11/2 miles. From the car park, pass down through the tearoom courtyard towards the golf course, looking out for golfers pass over the River Leet water looking out for kingfishers, dippers and other river birds, turn left through the wood, which takes an elevated route to the south side of the river, dropping down again to pass over the Leet for the second time towards the Hirsel House.

The Hirsel House, which has been much altered over the years, dates back to Queen Anne, roughly between 1702 and 1714. The oldest part being the tower at the southwest corner. Having passed the house, head south down the Blue Bell walk towards the ancient sycamore at the southeast corner of the walled garden, said to have been planted to commemorate the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Several chains and wire ropes offer additional support to the heavy aged limbs.

Passing along the south side, of the walled garden, peer through the gates into the walled garden, now largely laid down to grass. In the centre stands an ancient Tulip tree said to be over 300 years old. The tree has lost many of its upper limbs removing much of its gigantic splendour. Continue along the west side of the walled garden, rejoining the main drive back to the car park.