Discover Pencaitland: History and Walking Routes

Pencaitland brings together centuries-old buildings and routes through woodland and farmland. The history of churches and bridges, manor houses and walks offer different perspectives on the village. When choosing a holiday rental, you could first consider whether you want to spend more time exploring historic buildings, taking longer walks, or doing both. The specific differences between the routes can help you tailor your trip to your interests.

Buildings with a story of their own

Pencaitland Parish Church was dedicated in 1242. Three sundials create distinctive architectural features: one is at the eastern end of the building, while two others are carved into the buttresses on the south side. Pencaitland Bridge also tells the story of the village’s past. The three-span sandstone bridge dates from 1510 and connects Easter and Wester Pencaitland across the River Tyne. The church and the bridge bring history to life through two very different structures.

Winton Castle stands on the north bank of the Tyne Water, on the northern side of Pencaitland. This 17th-century Renaissance mansion was built between 1620 and 1634 and is listed Category A. The estate’s designed landscape covers around 463 acres (188 hectares). This puts the surrounding landscape in view alongside the building itself; access to the Winton Estate is via the Winton Walks, though restrictions apply in some areas.

The New Winton Cottages offer further examples of building history: three groups of cottages from the early 19th century are arranged symmetrically around a green. Lady Ruthven of Winton House commissioned them to replace earlier dilapidated cottages near the mansion and create a new village. Easter Pencaitland Schoolhouse and School date from 1870; the building was extended at the rear in 1887. The schoolhouse’s square portal projection, built of ashlar with a round arch and inscriptions, is a notable feature. Tyneholm House, meanwhile, is a long, asymmetrical mansion designed by William Burn in 1835. The walled garden east of the house dates from 1837 and is also attributed to Burn.

Two routes, different ways to plan

The Winton Walks comprise five circular routes around the Winton Estate and the neighbouring places of Pencaitland, Ormiston and New Winton. Together, they form a network of 12 miles of connected footpaths through woodland and farmland. If you prefer to choose from several circular routes, this offers a different way to plan than a single route with a clearly stated length. Keep in mind that public access to the Winton Walks is via these paths, and restrictions apply in some areas.

The Pencaitland Railway Walk is 10.5 kilometres (6.5 miles) long; this is the distance in one direction. The route is well surfaced, wide and level. Access points are in Pencaitland, Ormiston, Elphinstone and Crossgatehall. The former railway line was extended to Gifford by 1901 and closed in 1965. This combines a clearly stated route length with a specific historical context, without confusing it with the five circular routes of the Winton Walks.

The buildings could also be the focus of your trip. Pencaitland offers several specific themes to help you decide whether a holiday rental here suits your planned stay.

Discover more destinations: Dunbar, Gullane, Uphall, Livingston, Pumpherston, East Calder, Winchburgh, Kirknewton

See the wider travel guide: Lothian.