A scenic run in Duns
4
4
Date of visit: October 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
Duns Castle Estate is an especially beautiful sight on an autumn morning. The trail has some peaks and troughs but is tarmacked throughout. The trail will lead you alongside the curiously named Hen Poo Loch, home to multitudes of wild birds. Looking out to the loch and at the castle in the distance is reminiscent of a fairy tale. For wheelchair users, you'll either need strong arms, a good push, or a bit of power to navigate the route.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
As is generally the case with accessibility, your experience will differ depending on your access needs. The Castle Street entrance is on a hill, and there are some big slopes along the route. For wheelchair users, a push or some power will be needed on the route, unless you're pretty strong. There is nothing in the way of signage, other than an archway telling you that Duns Castle is private. There are some additional barriers due to the cattle grids, which don't marry well with wheelchairs or walking aids in my experience. Gates are present at either grid, but they are awkward to open whilst trying to propel a wheelchair. The first gate I reached, just before the loch, was quite narrow with two separate closing gates, whilst the final gate was wide, meaning the door is longer and more challenging to open and close. Some benches can be found on the trail, and the views over Hen Poo to the castle are stunning.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Single-level venue, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Poor
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Parking is pretty bad at this location, I'm sad to say. I initially went to the main entrance, but there was a redirection in place that ultimately took me to Castle Street, a residential area. There are no marked bays here, and I felt that I might be imposing on the residents. The closest bus stop is half a mile from the Castle Street entrance on Black Bull Street. The only service that runs to this stop is the 34. Parking at the Castle may be better, but as I wasn't able to access this area, I couldn't say.
Accessible Toilets
There are no toilets at this venue.
Staff
This venue is not staffed.
