One of the significant valleys of the Scottish Borders, the Yarrow Valley extends for 19 miles (30 km) east northeast from Birkhill on the border with Dumfries and Galloway. The upper valley takes the Little Yarrow from its source to the Loch of Lowes, which connects to St Mary's Loch, 9 miles (14.5 km) south southwest of Innerleithen. The lower section of the valley contains the Yarrow Water, which emerges from that loch, until it falls into the Ettrick Water, 2 miles (3 km) west southwest of Selkirk. The country houses of Bowhill (early 18th C.) and Philiphaugh (1964) lie at its entrance, while the valley contains the small settlements Yarrow and Yarrow Feus. The main industry of the valley is sheep, with a modest amount of arable farming. The 15th century Newark Castle overlooks the river opposite Foulshiels, the birthplace of explorer Mungo Park (1771 - 1806), and Dryhope Tower (1576) is situated at the northern end of St. Mary's Loch, while several standing stones and earthworks provide evidence of prehistoric occupation of the valley.
Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry
If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...
