Gordon Community Woodland is open all year and free to visit. It's an easy place to spend an hour or an afternoon, and there's something to see in every season.
Finding it and parking
The wood lies about a mile east of the village, on the north side of the A6105 Gordon to Greenlaw road. There are three car parks; the main one is signed off the A6105 (grid reference NT 662 435). A minor public road runs through the northern part of the wood, so there's access from more than one point.
Paths and the all-abilities trail
Way-marked paths
A simple network of paths runs through the woodland — the easiest and driest way round. Most are well maintained and suitable for a relaxed walk year-round.
All-abilities trail
There's an all-abilities trail near the main car park, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, as well as longer routes for anyone wanting a fuller walk.
A note on footwear
The ground between the paths can be wet or uneven in places. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially after rain.
The pond and the cabin
One of the wood's favourite spots is the pond, with its little jetty — a good place to pause, and a regular haunt of visiting school groups for pond-dipping. Nearby stands the cabin, which the Trust uses as an outdoor classroom and a base for events.
You'll also find picnic tables and benches throughout the wood, and a willow sculpture of a stag tucked among the trees.
What you might see
The woodland is mostly broadleaved — birch, oak, willow, poplar and more — with areas of Scots pine and Norway spruce, and a patch of older, more mature woodland in one corner. It's a young, lively wood that's still finding its character. Look and listen out for:
- Roe deer, red squirrels and badgers, which have all been recorded here
- Birdsong through spring and summer, and the dawn chorus if you're an early riser
- Moths, butterflies, bats and fungi — the subject of regular survey evenings in the wood
- Seasonal colour — bluebells and fresh leaf in spring, rich tones in autumn
Bringing the dog
Dogs are welcome. Please keep them under control, especially around wildlife, other visitors and any livestock on neighbouring land, and clean up after them. The wood is enjoyed by everyone, so a bit of consideration goes a long way.
Responsible access
Access to the woodland is open under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code — you're free to walk, cycle, ride or canoe responsibly.
One quiet request: the wood contains Bronze Age cairns that are protected as scheduled monuments. Please enjoy them, but don't dig, disturb or build on them.