At around three miles long and forty metres deep, St Mary's Loch is the largest natural loch in the Borders area.

Arguably the best feature of this walk is its capacity for ever-changing and beautiful views across St Mary's Loch. Beginning at the southern end of the loch, the walk follows an anti-clockwise circuit with no real gradients other than the (optional) steep climb up to the old St Mary's graveyard on the return leg. This climb is well worth the effort though, as the views up and down the loch from here are quite stunning.

As for wildlife, small brown meadow pipits are the most common bird to be seen, but occasionally buzzard, short-eared Owl and black grouse may also be spotted. On the loch itself, a few duck such as mallard, pochard and goosander may be seen and during the winter months, goldenye and whooper swans also visit.

Scotland - Borders - Loch

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.