Hadfast Valley

Hadfast Valley has areas of scrub, grassland and broadleaved woodland, providing a home to many bird species. During the summer, the reserve comes alive with the sound of migrating songbirds that breed here, attracted by the insects feeding on the rosebay willowherb.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Breeding songbirds in early summer
  • Fieldfare in winter

Best time to visit?

  • Apr to Jul for breeding songbirds
  • Oct to Dec for winter birds

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • woodlands
  • grasslands
  • wildflowers
  • mammals

Other information

In winter, large numbers of fieldfare flock to feed on the supply of hawthorn berries.

A circular path runs around the reserve.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

From the roundabout on the north side of Dalkeith (on the A6094), take the B6414 towards Tranent. After 1.3 miles the road bends north east, but a minor road carries straight on towards Hadfast. Take this road, crossing over the A6124. The reserve is on the left of the road, approximately 0.6 miles after the village of Cousland.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

A small track leads round the side of Hadfast Cottage to a small parking area and interpretation sign.

Access restrictions
Nearest town
Dalkeith (3 mi / 4.8 km)
OS grid ref
NT388688
Landranger map
66

FURTHER READING

About Hadfast Valley

Out & about

Nearby reserves
Bawsinch and Duddingston
Erraid Wood
Linn Dean

Local group
Lothians

Links & downloads

Reserve map

iSpot

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