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Fairy Loup waterfall

Around Byreburnfoot House are many wooded areas and attractive walks. One is a gentle uphill public footpath which starts a couple of minutes’ walk from our gate. It takes you through lightly shaded woods and the gorge in which Byre Burn flows, to a waterfall known locally as the Fairy Loup. It’s popular as a destination in its own right, or as part of a longer walk through the villages of Claygate or Rowanburn and beyond. The name, Fairy Loup, originates in a local legend of ‘a fairy having leaped from one side to the other’ - but we rather doubt the authenticity of that!

Gilnockie Tower

Just a 15 minute walk from us, or 5 minutes by car, stands Gilnockie Tower, home of the notorious Johnnie Armstrong back in the 16th century when the Reivers were rife in this area. The tower is open seven days a week throughout the summer, and for a small fee you can explore the ancestral home of the Armstrong clan and discover some of Scotland’s heritage. You’ll also see an exhibition dedicated to the moon landing and the part played by Neil Armstrong, the most famous Armstrong of all.