Access
Parking
The small parking area is level crushed stone. There are no accessible bays marked.
Access to the car park from the main road is through Sandyknowe Farm and across two cattle grids.
Approach to site
A latched kissing gate (90cm wide) leads from the car park to the path towards the tower.
The tower is 190m from the car park along an earth path. It can be very muddy in wet weather and there may be cattle nearby.
The path has an average gradient of:
- 1:20 over the first 100m
- 1:9 over the last 90m
Entry to the site is through a metal gate 75cm wide (it can be opened up to make a double gate 2m wide).
Visitor centre
Entry to the visitor centre is through a low (96cm) and narrow (85cm) door, with an uneven threshold stone.
There is a step up to the area in front of the counter.
The upper level of the exhibition is reached by a modern spiral timber and steel staircase of 12 steps with a handrail on the outer side.
Monument
The architectural remains by the tower are viewed from a deep gravel surface.
The tower has three upper floors reached by a narrow (89cm) stone spiral staircase of 63 steps with a rope handrail on the inner side.
Grounds
Smailholm Tower sits on uneven ground on a hill. The land around it is used for grazing.
Special features
A free audio tour is available.
Toilets
Smailholm has no toilets.
The nearest accessible public toilets are in Horsemarket, Kelso.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
Visitors' dogs are not permitted at Smailholm Tower.
