Location: Midlothian
Map: OS Landranger 66 (GR376632)
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Terrain: paths; rough and muddy in places
Although ruined, Crighton Castle occupies a forbidding position on a knoll overlooking the Tyne Water. The original 14th-century tower house was home to various Lord Crightons until forfeited to the Crown and given to the Earls of Bothwell, who expanded the castle in the 15th and 16th centuries.
It is only open during the summer but has tremendous atmosphere, even when viewed from outside.
A new footbridge over the Tyne Water on the edge of Vogrie Country Park allows walkers to link the park with established paths to the castle. The going is muddy and slippery in places and adequate footwear is essential.
From the country park car park, follow the path signposted Vogrie House alongside the walled garden, then into woodland and past a large white tricycle sculpture to the house.
Cross the lawn past the cedar tree and the house to the far right-hand corner of the grounds and a path signposted Tyne Valley and Alderdean. Turn right at a four-way path junction and continue alongside the golf course, then down to another junction.
Turn right, cross a small stone bridge and make a steady descent to a boardwalk over a marshy section and a bridge over the Tyne Water. Don't cross over, but turn right and follow the earth path on the right bank of the burn to a wooden bridge. Cross over to a meadow area and follow the path up and right to wooden steps and a blue rope balustrade. Ascend the slope with care and go right to another blue balustrade and a path leading to the access track to the house at Currie Lee.
Follow the track to a minor road that leads down right to a wooden gate on the left, just before the road crosses the burn. A path leads along the woodland edge, keeping left of the fence, then ascends to a stile and signpost.
Traverse the hillside keeping left of a fine stand of large beeches to arrive at a pedestrian gate and another signpost. From here the ruins of Crighton Castle can be seen over to the right. Head straight towards the castle on an intermittent path leading up and left to gain the entrance track.
After viewing the castle follow the track to the former collegiate church in Crighton Village. From the church car park, a path descends to connect with the path leading back to the minor road. Retrace your steps back to Vogrie.
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