Mavisbank House sits in the Esk Valley 6 miles South of Edinburgh (centre) and about 0.5km SE of Loanhead.
Mavisbank can be accessed via several walking routes, though the grounds are currently overgrown and the house itself is a derelict ruin. There is no direct vehicle access to the house, as sections of the original driveways connecting to roads are now privately owned.
1 From Polton
You can access the grounds via the riverside path starting from the Polton war memorial. A wooden gate off this path leads into the Mavisbank estate near the old walled garden.
2 & 3 From Kevock Road (Lasswade)
There are two access points. The first is through a gate located between two white houses at a bend on Kevock Road. The second is about 40m passed the bend on the RHS down ramped steps, which links with the riverside walk. Note that the terrain is often muddy, wet, steep, and can be difficult to navigate.
4 From Loanhead
Pedestrians can take a less familiar route from Braeside Road through a wooden gate, which leads downhill through the woods.
Public Transport
- Lothian Bus 31 to Wadingburn Road (for Kevock Road) or Polton Mill
- Lothian Bus 37 serves Loanhead
- Lothian Bus 39 to Polton Road West
- East Coast Bus 140 and 141 serves Loanhead
Parking
Parking is very limited. The most reliable spot is the Springfield Mill car park on Polton Road. There is a small sports field car parks near the North Esk river bridge in Lasswade. Visitors are advised to avoid parking on the narrow Kevock Road.
Access
There is currently (at 2026) no road/vehicular access to the house. Paths into the policies and within the policies are not currently wheelchair friendly. Footpaths (at the moment are generally in poor condition) and not currently well maintained – with uneven surfaced, eroding elements, sloping surfaces, slippery surfaces, which can be muddy, and all representing trip hazards.
The House
The House is currently not accessible, it is roofless and in a ruinous state. There is a high risk of falling masonry from height. The House is currently surrounded by a security fence for public safety. There are level changes and uneven ground and masonry around the house out with the security fence so great care should be taken when exploring this area.
Safety
Do not attempt to enter safety fence and the ruin itself.
Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended as paths are frequently boggy and uneven. Nettles and brambles make footpaths difficult to navigate in some areas.
Guided Tours
The Mavisbank Trust occasionally organizes guided walks, and hosts Doors Open Days, which are the best way to see the site with expert context.
