Leaderfoot Viaduct is a spectacular former railway bridge above the River Tweed near Melrose in the Scottish Borders. Its tall, slender profile dominates the riverside setting, and the nearby old road and Drygrange Old Bridge provide an easy place to stop and appreciate the structure from below.
Built in 1865 for the Berwickshire Railway, the viaduct was designed by Charles Jopp and Wylie & Peddie. It uses red-sandstone piers and abutments with brick arches, creating the distinctive long row of openings seen across the Tweed valley.
Flooding severed the railway line in 1948, although the viaduct remained in use in some capacity until 1965. It is now protected as a Category A listed structure and is best experienced from ground-level viewpoints around the river and old bridge rather than from the former railway deck.
The old access road just off the A68 is used as the parking area. Pull in and park safely along the side before the “No vehicles beyond this point” restriction; there is no separate marked car park.
Around 2 minutes
From the parking area it is around a 2-minute walk to the main view of Leaderfoot Viaduct. The approach follows a paved road almost all the way, and nearby paths along the River Tweed make it easy to continue exploring on foot.
⭐☆☆☆☆ Easy
⭐☆☆☆☆ (Easy). The approach to the main viewpoint is straightforward and mainly on firm, paved ground, with no steep climb required. Riverside paths nearby offer the option of walking further.
Good for families
A good option for families because the main viewpoint is easy to reach, while the nearby River Tweed paths allow you to extend the visit with a longer walk. Keep children close near traffic, the riverbank and any barriers around the site.
• The viaduct has 19 tall arches and reaches about 126 feet above the valley floor.
• Each brick arch spans about 43 feet between red-sandstone supports.
• It was completed in 1865 for the Berwickshire Railway branch line.
• The line connected with the former Waverley Route between Edinburgh and Hawick.
• Its listing was upgraded from Category B to Category A in 1986.
The parking area is on the former access road off the A68, and vehicles must stop before the signed restriction. Continue on foot towards the viewpoint, respect any barriers or closures, and take extra care when entering or leaving the A68.
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Family-friendly
Fun Facts
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