Roan Fell in the Borders of Scotland

[Yipyipcoyote]

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Having lived within ten miles of this hill it was only on seeing it listed on Walk Highlands as a Sub 2000er that I made up my mind to climb it. Not a very strenuous walk but probably the wettest and roughest I have done. No paths whatsoever.

The start of the walk and a view north to Pike Fell and Scawd Bank

View south to Whita Hill

It had rained all morning so expected wet ground but this was something else. It was either huge high strides to climb through thick heather or winding through bogs of jet black peat.

Roan Fell

Definitely a route seldom used. The only tracks were those of the game keeper in his all terrain vehicle. Very nice to see some quite unique views of the Borderland.

Small summit cairn looking North through Teviotdale

Evening sunlight on the West side of Roan Fell

All in all a very enjoyable walk. Although I was only ten miles from home I felt complete remoteness.

Nearing the end and the view down Tarras valley

[hailiamdigby]

Good report, sir.
I've just come back from a 5-day trip which included this hill and I know what you mean when I read your report.
That hill just seemed to go on forever and - although I was using the dug-out track for the most of the walk - the trek is arduous, when you leave the path.
I'd hate to think how tough this hill would be before that path was created.
I saw about 12 mountain goats grazing just above the path. Most I've ever seen, in one place.
I started at NY489 892 walking past Raltonside and Woolhope and then following the dug-out path, up the hill.
Glad that one's done as it's one of the tougher sub-2ks I've climbed and I wish anyone luck, who decides to take on this big hill.