Walking at Riddell
Riddell Root: Ancestry and Horticultural Path
Riddell’s Ancestry Root will transport you back to the early 12th century when Ancient Riddell was first created.
Beginning at the ruined site of the old mansion house which dates back to the 16th century, you will see how impressively nature has reclaimed its once grand rooms and balconies as if it has always been a natural part of the landscape. However, there are still structural portholes and quirky human constructions to help you imagine what it might have been like to live there in years gone by.
You will then enter the Wild Garden and happen upon the seven hundred and fifty year old Yew trees which are said to mark the perimeters of ancient burial grounds.
As you walk on, look and listen carefully for an abundance of Scottish Borders wildlife; squirrels, rabbits, hares, pheasants, partridge and roedeer. You will be surrounded by a rich array of fauna and flora with views across the rolling hills of the estate and beyond including that of the South Bridge dating back to 1790. The pathway takes you strolling amongst the canopies of Yew, Ash, Sycamore, Birch, Elm, Lime, Chestnut, Brown Fir, Silver Fir, Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce and Oak trees as well as variety of Scottish shrubs and wildflowers. Finally you will climb up to the General’s Tower and, should you choose, further up the spiralled staircase to survey, in a 360 perspective, the lands of Riddell. You will be standing on the site of the original Norman fortification dating back to 1100. And looking down you will have a birds-eye view of the unusual double motte that surrounds the fort. Ancient battles took place between local land Barons on this site.
