Historical Significance

The mills of the Lade Braes are not the only thing of interest in this location. At one end of the footpath, there is Hallow Hill which is adjacent to the Kinness Burn. This is another historically significant place as several stone-lined graves were found which served as a Pictish burial place between the 5th and 9th Centuries. The remains include those of a young person, glass vessels, and items that could have been tools such as bone and bronze knives, glass and stone whetstones, fragments from a stone hammer and flint and jet flakes. On the other side of the hill, there is the Bogward Doocot, a sixteenth-century dovecot that was used for pigeon and bird nesting. It is still in good condition, having been restored by the St Andrews Preservation Trust.

Natural Significance

A variety of wildlife inhabits the surrounding woods. Most notably, parts of the walk are directly facing the woods at the St Andrews Botanical Garden. The Law Park Woodland is another natural area that is close to the Law Mill. It is known as the Boase Wood, under the care of the St Andrews Preservation Trust. The Lade Braes walk presents many opportunities for spotting fauna: kingfishers, great tits, herons, otters, grey (and the occasional red) squirrels are some of the creatures that call this riverside their home. The landscape changes with different flora that blossoms throughout the year, which include spring bluebells, daffodils, and late-winter snowdrops. The woodlands and wildflower fields provide a habitat for hundreds of insects, birds, and animals.

It is this mix of history and nature that make the Lade Braes so unique. Hundreds of people walk through this path while commuting to town or to enjoy the fresh air throughout the seasons. A new exhibition will add an extra dimension to this public footpath. The exhibit is free and available to everyone. Learning about this place will become integrated with the walk itself.