Carlops: Weaving History, Buildings and Walking Routes

The Carlops Conservation Area covers a large part of the long, straggling village. The Pentland Hills Regional Park also extends into Carlops. These represent two different scales: the protected character of the village and the park’s regional setting.

Village History and Rows of Houses

Carlops was founded in 1784, when Robert Brown, the Laird of Newhall, established a cotton mill and had rows of weavers’ houses built on either side of the Edinburgh–Biggar Road. Industry and housing have therefore been part of the village’s history from the outset. The mill is not merely a later chapter; it is part of the story of the village’s founding.

The rows of original houses in the Conservation Area have remained largely unchanged. They are single-storey and have porches. Architectural interest lies not only in individual buildings, but also in the recurring pattern of the rows of houses. Anyone interested in a place’s history can trace the connection here between the early mill and the traditional housing form.

Mill, Bridge and Local Tradition

Patie's Mill is a former mill on the River North Esk at the northern end of the village, dating from 1800. It originally produced wool felts for local paper mills. Its former function and riverside location offer two specific insights into the area’s industrial history. Patie's Mill is also a Category B listed building.

Patie's Mill Bridge over the River North Esk is also at the northern end of the village. It is a single-span rubble bridge with a segmental arch. The two structures have different features to note: the mill is associated with former production and use, while the bridge is notable for its building material and arch shape.

A local legend is also part of the village’s character: the name Carlops is believed to be connected with the tale of two witches, Jenny Barry and Mause. According to the legend, they leapt between two rocky outcrops in the village known as “Carline’s Loup”. Thus, a tentative interpretation of the place name and the account of the village’s founding, dated to 1784, stand alongside one another as distinct strands of the story.

Walking Routes and Planning Information

From Carlops, walking routes lead on a relatively easy hike to North Esk Reservoir and onwards to the Bore Stane. The two destinations can thus be considered consecutive points on a walk. North Esk Reservoir is privately owned. Check path conditions before your trip so you can plan around the current situation.

A separate planning note concerns the bridge on Core Path 165 in the Carlops area: it is closed until further notice. This information was last checked on 1 September 2026. Check its status again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Paxton, Duns, Buccleuch, Lilliesleaf, Morebattle, Lauder, West Linton, Traquair.

For the wider travel overview: The Scottish Borders.