An energetic 12.5 mile walk from The Five Turrets in Selkirk, along the Ettrick Water, up through forestry to The Three Brethren and then back down into the town.
12.5 miles. 5 hours.
This is a quite demanding walk, but worth it for the fabulous views along the way.
Turn left out of The Five Turrets and immediately left down Old Bridge Road. Cross over the road and make your way to the river. Turn right to follow the footpath along the river.
The path continues beside the river and through woods to Lindean (alternatively use the footpath beside the A7). At Lindean leave the A7 and take the minor road forking off to the left. Follow it over a stone bridge over the Ettrick Water.
Continue on to another stone bridge over the River Tweed, then turn left along the road to Yair Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left. A path leads uphill out of the car park on the right. Follow it up until you reach the forest road. Turn right and continue on until you reach a footpath on the left leading uphill.
When you reach the stile don't cross it but continue on the path uphill to the cairns of The Three Brethren where there are superb views out across the Borders.
Retrace your steps to the stile, cross it and follow the path downhill. Alternatively, go through the gate and follow the path downhill until it meets the main path.
Continue on downhill, bearing left at a fork in the path, and down to the car park at the bottom. Walk through it, follow the road and turn left over a footbridge. Follow the path back towards the town, turning right and heading up the hill when you reach the main road.
Get the full route and GPX file here.