Jed Water

The Jed Water is a river in the Scottish Borders that flows into the River Teviot near Jedfoot Bridge, two miles north of Jedburgh. It rises from a source on Carlin Tooth in the Cheviot Hills, where it is first known as Raven Burn. The river is over 21.75 miles long and falls 1,375 feet along its course. The river once powered a watermill in Jedburgh and supplied water to the monks of Jedburgh Abbey. In the 19th century, it was known for its trout. James Hutton discovered Hutton’s Unconformity at Inchbonny, a key moment in the development of modern geology. The Ordnance Gazetteer praised the river’s fine landscapes, pure waters, and steep terrain. Visitors can walk along the Jed Water’s banks and see the layers of sedimentary rock where Hutton made his discovery. The river’s surroundings include contrasting landscapes that the Gazetteer described as picturesque. Near the old Canongate Bridge, flood defences monitor the river’s levels, which can rise significantly during storms. The area offers a glimpse of the natural history and geological significance of the Scottish Borders.