Retracing your steps from Innerleithan, the Cross Borders Drove Road branches off westwards from the Southern Upland Way about 2km south of Traquair at Kirkhouse.
After another 2km on quiet by–roads past Orchard Mains to a signpost where the path leads off right towards woods. A short dog–leg to the right takes you to a gate and stile entering into remoter terrain. Turn immediately left here and go uphill skirting the woods on your left. At the top of the woods go a short distance left again to pick up a path which climbs steadily over the col between Orchard Rig and Birks Hill and then leads down round the southern tip of Cardrona Forest.
From there it swings northwards over Kirkhope Law along the old drove road and through the delightful Fairy Glen to reach the town of Peebles with its historic Church, Museum and nearby Neidpath Castle.
