Dryhope Tower

A ruined 16th-century fortress where Border legend and Scottish history converge beside St Mary's Loch.

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Dryhope Tower is a ruined 16th-century peel tower overlooking St Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders, steeped in Border history and legend. Built around the 1530s–1550s as a defensive stronghold for the Scott family, this four-storey tower features vaulted basements, gunloops, and the remains of a protective barmkin courtyard. Famous as the home of Mary Scott, the 'Flower of Yarrow'—an ancestor of Sir Walter Scott—the tower was slighted in 1592 by King James VI but rebuilt by 1613. Today, this scheduled monument stands as a haunting reminder of the turbulent Border Reiver era.

A brief summary to Dryhope Tower

Selkirk, Dryhope, GB
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 2 out of 5

Local tips

Access the tower via the Southern Upland Way to avoid crossing private farmland; this walking route provides a scenic approach through the moorland landscape.
Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the panoramic views across St Mary's Loch and the surrounding Yarrow Valley; the tower's exposed position makes it windswept in poor conditions.
Bring binoculars to examine the gunloops and architectural details of the tower walls from a distance; the vaulted basement and turnpike stair are visible from the exterior.
Combine your visit with nearby St Mary's Loch for a full day of exploration; the loch offers walking trails, historical sites, and dramatic Border scenery.
Read the Border ballad 'The Dowie Dens of Yarrow' before visiting to deepen your understanding of the tower's connection to Mary Scott, the 'Flower of Yarrow,' and Border legend.

Getting There

Southern Upland Way Walking Route

Access Dryhope Tower via the Southern Upland Way long-distance footpath, which passes near the tower. This walking route avoids crossing private farmland and provides a scenic moorland approach. The walk from Cappercleuch (approximately 2 miles west) takes 45–60 minutes across open terrain. No vehicle access to the tower itself; this is the recommended pedestrian route.
Vehicle Access to Nearby Parking

Drive to Cappercleuch, located on the A708 road between Moffat and Selkirk. From Cappercleuch, a minor road leads north toward Dryhope; limited informal parking is available near the road junction. From Cappercleuch, the tower is approximately 2 miles north on foot. The A708 is a scenic route through the Borders; travel time from Moffat is 20–25 minutes, from Selkirk approximately 30–35 minutes.
St Mary's Loch Visitor Route

Approach via St Mary's Loch, located 0.3 miles south of the tower. The loch has visitor facilities and parking areas. From the loch's northern shore, Dryhope Tower is visible across the moorland; a walking path leads uphill toward the tower, taking 20–30 minutes depending on terrain. This route combines loch exploration with tower access.
Guided Tour or Local Knowledge

Contact the Philiphaugh Estate or local visitor information in Selkirk for current access conditions and any seasonal restrictions. Local guides familiar with the Borders can provide context on Border Reiver history and safe routes to the tower. Recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with moorland terrain.

Dryhope Tower location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Dryhope Tower

A Fortress Born from Conflict

Dryhope Tower emerged from one of Scotland's most violent periods. In 1535, the Scottish Parliament issued a statute requiring large landholders in the Borderlands to construct fortified stone buildings—barmkins with walls one ell thick and six ells high—to protect themselves, their tenants, and their goods during troubled times. Dryhope was likely raised in response to this mandate, built sometime between the 1530s and 1550s by the Scott family, who held the lands of Dryhope. The tower's rectangular plan, originally four storeys tall, was constructed from local stone with vaulted basements and a turnpike stair spiralling upward from one corner to the hall on the first floor, which was also vaulted. The walls were pierced with gunloops, allowing defenders to repel attackers from protected positions. A courtyard enclosed by a curtain wall contained ranges of outbuildings, creating a self-contained defensive settlement.

The Flower of Yarrow and Border Legend

Dryhope Tower is forever linked to one of Scotland's most romantic and tragic tales. Mary Scott, known as the 'Flower of Yarrow,' was born at Dryhope, daughter of the house and ancestor of the celebrated author Sir Walter Scott. In 1576, she married Walter Scott of Harden, known as 'Auld Wat,' one of the most notorious Border reivers of his age. Their union bound two powerful families, but it was also marked by bloodshed. The Border ballad 'The Dowie Dens of Yarrow' immortalizes the violent events surrounding Mary, recounting in several versions how her suitor was waylaid and slain by her brothers, with much carnage ensuing. This ballad, deeply rooted in the oral traditions of the Borderlands, transformed Mary into a legendary figure whose name echoes through Scottish folklore.

Destruction and Restoration

Dryhope's fate took a dramatic turn in 1592 when political intrigue brought royal wrath upon the Scott family. Wat Scott of Harden had fallen out of favour with King James VI due to his association with Francis Stewart, 1st Earl of Bothwell, and involvement in an attack on Falkland Palace. In response, King James VI levied an army and marched through the forest, systematically slighting—partially dismantling—the fortified houses of his opponents. Dryhope was among the Scott of Harden fortalices that suffered this fate, its walls breached and its defensive capability destroyed. Yet the tower's story did not end in ruin. By 1613, it had been rebuilt, suggesting the family's determination to restore their seat. However, the tower gradually fell into terminal decay during the latter part of the 17th century. The property eventually passed to the senior branch of the Scotts, the Dukes of Buccleuch, and later came under the stewardship of the Philiphaugh Estate.

Landscape and Setting

Dryhope Tower occupies a strategically significant position in the valley of the Yarrow Water, approximately equidistant between the burghs of Moffat and Selkirk. The site itself was naturally protected on two sides: to the east by the Dryhope Burn and to the west by the Kirkstead Burn, providing additional defensive advantages. The tower overlooks St Mary's Loch, a substantial body of water that dominates the landscape and would have served as both a visual landmark and a barrier to potential attackers. The surrounding moorland and hills create a dramatic, windswept setting that evokes the harsh realities of Border life during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Architectural Features and Construction

The surviving structure reveals the sophisticated defensive architecture of the peel tower tradition. The rectangular tower originally rose four storeys, with walls up to ten feet thick capable of withstanding siege and assault. The vaulted basement provided secure storage for provisions and valuables, while the vaulted first-floor hall served as the principal living space. Gunloops—small openings designed for firearms—pierce the walls, indicating that Dryhope was built during the transition from medieval siege warfare to early modern artillery. The turnpike stair, a spiral staircase occupying one corner, allowed defenders to move between floors while maintaining a defensible position. The barmkin courtyard, enclosed by a curtain wall, contained additional buildings for servants, soldiers, and livestock, making the complex largely self-sufficient during times of siege or raid.

Modern Preservation and Heritage Status

In recent decades, Dryhope Tower has undergone stabilisation work to arrest its decay and preserve it for future generations. The monument has been consolidated and cleared of vegetation, and it has been designated a scheduled monument by Historic Environment Scotland, recognising its national significance as a rare surviving example of Border peel tower architecture and its importance to Scottish cultural heritage. Today, the tower stands as a tangible link to the turbulent Border Reiver era, a period when families like the Scotts defended their lands through fortification, alliance, and sometimes ruthless violence. The ruins invite visitors to imagine the lives lived within these walls—the political intrigue, the family bonds, the constant threat of raid and counter-raid that defined life in the Borderlands.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

James Hogg Monument

5.1 km

A striking white monument honoring James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, overlooking the serene St Mary's Loch in Scotland's Borders.

Traquair Arms Hotel

13.3 km

Historic 200-year-old coach house hotel and gastro pub offering cozy rooms, hearty local cuisine, and warm hospitality in scenic Innerleithen.

Biking In The Borders

14.0 km

A spacious, cyclist-friendly holiday home in Innerleithen, perfect for exploring the iconic trails of the Scottish Borders.

The Dawyck Cafe

14.4 km

A warm, light-filled cafe in the heart of Dawyck Botanic Garden, serving seasonal soups, sandwiches, and excellent home baking with views over 65 acres of woodland.

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel

Discover the ancient Trees Of The Kings in Selkirk, where Scottish royal history and nature unite in a serene, storied landscape.

Southern Reporter

20.6 km

Historic home of the Southern Reporter newspaper, a cornerstone of Selkirk’s rich journalistic heritage on the town’s vibrant High Street.

Unmissable attractions to see

Tushielaw Inn

7.9 km

A charming Scottish Borders inn offering cozy stays, hearty food, and lively pub nights in the tranquil Ettrick Valley.

Yarrow Stone

8.5 km

Discover the ancient Yarrow Stone, a rare early Christian monument commemorating princes of Strathclyde in the scenic Scottish Borders.

Manor Water

10.0 km

Discover the tranquil beauty and rich heritage of Manor Water, a peaceful river winding through the scenic Manor Valley near Peebles.

Broad Law

12.1 km

Broad Law, the highest peak in the Scottish Borders, offers sweeping views, rich wildlife, and a serene hiking experience amid Scotland’s Southern Uplands.

Traquair House

12.5 km

Discover Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, a royal hunting lodge turned historic family home with gardens, brewery, and centuries of Stuart heritage.

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall

12.9 km

Experience one of the UK’s highest waterfalls cascading 60m through a stunning glacial valley rich in wildlife and history.

Southern Uplands

13.5 km

Explore Scotland’s Southern Uplands, a stunning mountain range of rolling hills, historic trails, and tranquil rural landscapes.

Robert Smail's Printing Works

13.6 km

Step back into Victorian times at Robert Smail's Printing Works, the UK's oldest working letterpress printers and a vibrant museum of printing history.

Borders Blues club

13.6 km

Experience authentic live blues in a cozy, vibrant venue at the heart of Innerleithen’s rich musical scene.

Kailzie Gardens

13.9 km

Discover the enchanting walled garden, historic glasshouse, and serene woodland trails of Kailzie Gardens in the heart of the Scottish Borders.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

14.4 km

Explore Dawyck Botanic Garden’s world-class arboretum with towering trees, vibrant seasonal blooms, and tranquil woodland walks in the Scottish Borders.

Horsburgh Castle

14.5 km

Explore the enchanting Horsburgh Castle, a historic landmark in Peebles, Scotland, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval heritage.

Talla Reservoir

15.1 km

Historic Victorian reservoir nestled in scenic Scottish Borders hills, blending engineering heritage with tranquil natural beauty.

Stobo Castle Health Spa

15.2 km

Scotland's premier adults-only destination spa—a castle sanctuary for complete wellness and tranquillity.

Glentress Forest Lodges

15.2 km

Peaceful forest lodges near Peebles offering cozy stays and direct access to world-class mountain biking trails in the Scottish Borders.

Exceptional homemade bakes and specialty coffee in Peebles' most welcoming Old Town sanctuary.

Artisan coffee and curated gifts in a charming Peebles townhouse.

Herringbone Gift Shop and Number Fifty Six Tea & Coffee House

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Tibbie Shiels Inn

5.0 km

Historic inn and camping by St. Marys Loch offering cosy rooms, live music, and stunning Scottish Borders scenery.

Durty Brewing

13.3 km

Discover Innerleithen’s vibrant microbrewery with exclusive craft beers, a cozy taproom, and a welcoming atmosphere for all drink lovers.

The Handlebar & Grill Glentress

14.9 km

A cyclist-friendly grill in Glentress offering hearty local dishes, craft beers, and scenic outdoor dining amidst the Tweed Valley’s stunning trails.

Wild Bean Cafe

15.8 km

Cozy cafe in Peebles serving fresh coffee, pastries, and light meals daily from dawn till late evening.

The Central Bar

15.8 km

A cozy and friendly bar in Peebles offering a warm welcome, local drinks, and lively social nights in the heart of the Scottish Borders.

Philipburn House Hotel

19.4 km

Historic Georgian charm meets modern comfort in tranquil gardens just outside Selkirk, ideal for exploring the scenic Scottish Borders.

The Town Arms Inn

20.5 km

Experience the warmth and charm of The Town Arms Inn in Selkirk, a perfect base for exploring the enchanting Scottish Borders.

Niki's Lounge Bar

24.4 km

A cozy, friendly lounge bar in Galashiels offering affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Office Bar

25.5 km

A traditional Scottish pub in Hawick’s historic West End, offering authentic charm, quality beers, and a friendly local atmosphere.

Drumlanrig Bar

25.5 km

A cozy and lively bar in Hawick’s Drumlanrig Square, perfect for local beers, live music, and a welcoming Scottish Borders atmosphere.

The Exchange Bar

25.6 km

Historic Victorian pub in Hawick with original wood panelling, ornate cornices, and a cozy lounge for live music and community gatherings.

Waverley Bar

25.6 km

A traditional, friendly Scottish pub in Hawick’s heart, famed for its lively atmosphere and welcoming community vibe.

Cross Keys

26.2 km

A traditional Scottish pub in Biggar offering hearty fare, quality drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere where friendships are forged.

The Village Inn

32.3 km

A cozy, traditional Scottish pub in Thankerton offering hearty local fare, warm hospitality, and a welcoming village atmosphere.

Masons Arms

35.9 km

A cozy and friendly village pub in Carnwath offering classic dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable rooms for a true Scottish experience.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Union Club

13.3 km

A friendly, community-run social club with snooker and events, offering a welcoming and affordable night out in Innerleithen.

The Vale Of Leithen Social Club

13.7 km

A friendly members' club in Innerleithen offering live music, affordable drinks, and a warm community atmosphere.

The Indigo Rooms

25.2 km

Experience Galashiels' vibrant nightlife at The Indigo Rooms, a welcoming nightclub and bar with themed events and a lively atmosphere.

Warehouse Nightclub

25.2 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at Warehouse Nightclub, Galashiels’ lively hub after dark.

Square One

25.5 km

Vibrant Hawick nightclub with dynamic music floors and a welcoming atmosphere at the heart of Drumlanrig Square.

The Border Club

25.6 km

Experience the vibrant local culture at The Border Club, a friendly social hub in Hawick, Scotland, perfect for travelers seeking community spirit.

Base Nightclub

25.6 km

Experience Hawick’s energetic nightlife at Base Nightclub, where vibrant music and lively crowds create unforgettable Friday nights.

Morven

29.2 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Morven Nightclub in Oxnam, near Melrose, where great music, vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable memories await.

Nothing

31.7 km

Experience immersive alternative rock concerts by Nothing in the intimate, historic setting of London’s Moth Club.

The Royal British Legion

46.7 km

Discover community, camaraderie, and local entertainment at The Royal British Legion in Kelso - a vibrant hub for visitors and locals.

The Vibe

46.7 km

Discover the lively atmosphere of The Vibe, the perfect bar in Kelso for drinks, conversation, and local culture.

The Grapes

46.8 km

Experience the charm of The Grapes, where delightful drinks and hearty meals meet a warm, inviting atmosphere in East Calder.

The Paraffin Lamp

46.9 km

Discover the charm of The Paraffin Lamp in Livingston, where great food, drinks, and local culture come together in a cozy pub setting.

Black Bull Inn

46.9 km

Discover the charm of Mid Calder at Black Bull Inn, where hearty meals, local ales, and a cozy atmosphere await every traveler.

The NewYearField - JD Wetherspoon

47.0 km

Experience the essence of British pub culture at The NewYearField - JD Wetherspoon in Livingston, with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.

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Dryhope Tower

A brief summary to Dryhope Tower

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Southern Upland Way Walking Route

Vehicle Access to Nearby Parking

St Mary's Loch Visitor Route

Guided Tour or Local Knowledge

Dryhope Tower location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Dryhope Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Dryhope Tower

A Fortress Born from Conflict

The Flower of Yarrow and Border Legend

Destruction and Restoration

Landscape and Setting

Architectural Features and Construction

Modern Preservation and Heritage Status

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

James Hogg Monument

Traquair Arms Hotel

Biking In The Borders

The Dawyck Cafe

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel

Eshiels Community Recycling Centre

Aikwood Tower

The Park

The Tontine Hotel

Blackwood & Smith LLP, Solicitors & Estate Agents

Peebles Mercat Cross

Peebles Hydro Hotel

The Neidpath Inn

Tress Of The Kings

Southern Reporter

Unmissable attractions to see

Tushielaw Inn

Yarrow Stone

Manor Water

Broad Law

Traquair House

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall

Southern Uplands

Robert Smail's Printing Works

Borders Blues club

Kailzie Gardens

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Horsburgh Castle

Talla Reservoir

Stobo Castle Health Spa

Glentress Forest Lodges

Essential places to dine

Award-Winning The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms

Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge - Scotland's "Pub of the Year"

No1 Peebles Road

The Courtyard Cafe at Kailzie Gardens

Renwicks at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa

Glentress Hotel

Mandarin Garden

Bridge Inn

Franco’s

Coltman's Kitchen, Deli & Bar

The County

Prince of India

The Crown Hotel

Green Tree Hotel

The Cozy Kitchen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Droopy Dandelion - The Scottish Fairy Shop

FINDRA Clothing

Lou Lou's Vintage Emporium

The Hub on the High Street

Harbro Country Store

House Of Gaia

Caledonia Lifestyle

Tiger Lily Gifts

Wilkies of Peebles

Head To Toe