Windlestraw Law & Whitehope Law

[colinwatson]

Having read a few reports on Walk Highlands about the Moorfoots and how boggy they are, I thought that after the recent cold snap, this might be a good time to visit, as conditions underfoot might be a bit firmer.

The drive down was difficult - heading straight into the low sun made visibility awful, so it was a relief to get parked up just above Blackhopebyre Farm on the B709. There are lots of spots along this road to get parked. Ironically, after having the sun in my eyes for most of the journey, as soon as I set out, the cloud rolled in!

It was just a short walk down the glen to reach the track at Glentress Rig.

Looking back up the glen from Glentress Rig

In normal conditions, the track would be pretty soggy underfoot, but today it was frozen hard, so I was able to make good progress walking along the side of it. The track goes over Wallet Knowe and progresses most of the way to Windlestraw Law. As with the track, the peat hags were hard underfoot, so it didn't take long to get to the summit.

The Eildon Hills from the summit.

Originaly, I had hoped to climb this hill by its south ridge from Innerleithen, but as I wanted to circuit to Whitehope Law, I needed to take this more direct approach. However, I was able to partially compensate for this by walking to the 657 spot height, before dropping down to Glentress.

Looking back to Windlestraw Law from the 657 spot height

Whitehope Law from the 657 spot height

Although there is a lot of heather on the north west ridge leading to Glentress, it's quite easy to pick up grassy sections to ease the descent. I headed to the col between Bareback Knowe and Dod Hill and from there, to Glentress.

Whitehope Law from above Glentress

Looking to the B709 glen from above Glentress

I crossed the road at Glentress and was pleased to find a footbridge over the Glentress Water. The sun had reappeared by now and the initial ascent on the far side of the burn on short heather was very enjoyable. I stopped at this point for my lunch, before heading up above the stand of trees and from there to the easy slopes leading to Whitehope Law.

Unfortunately, the weather turned gloomy just as I arrived at the top.

Windlestraw Law from Whitehope Law

Looking down the glen towards Innerleithen

The Manor Hills from Whitehope Law

I then took a fairly direct line back to the glen and the car.

Back at the car

A good day out, but I would definitely save these hills for either a very dry or cold spell!

[rockhopper]

Turned out not too bad a day - still to get to these hills having only ever MTB'd down here - must bear your advice in mind - cheers