Blackhope Scar, Bowbeat Hill, Dundreich
Parked in the parking space just before the “no parking beyond this point” sign at the side of Gladhouse Reservoir. Walked along the road SE through Moorfoot then along the track which heads south by the River South Esk.

Rather than head uphill, followed the track until it split – turned east and started more steeply uphill

On nearing the fence, turned towards the south for the walk to Blackhope Scar. Ground conditions weren’t the best – heather and grass tufts, soft snow which was deep at times and a bit boggy as well.
Blackhope Scar summit


Next up was Bowbeat Hill. Off towards the SW. This was one of the toughest sections of the day – ground conditions got even worse which made for quite slow going. Still it was a nice day so no complaints.


Got to the start of the windfarm then wandered along the track through the turbines.

Was under one of the turbines when it suddenly made a different noise. Had me worried for a bit until realising that it was slowing down to stop. Hadn’t known before that the tips of the blades extend out then turn through 90o when the blades stop then they go back in turn afterwards.



Summit of Bowbeat Hill – couldn’t find a cairn though

A little further on the track before heading off over more tussocky ground towards Dundreich

Summit


Distant views were relatively clear with a number of hills on the horizon
Stùc a’ Chroin and Ben Vorlich – about 96km / 60 miles distance (zoomed)

Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat

Then the walk north and back down to the reservoir

Remains of Hirendean Castle

Back at the car a little after midday – too early to head home so drove up to Gorebridge then down the B7007 towards Innerleithen. Stopped and parked in a wee off road spot NT342436 south of Blackhopebyre farm.
Windlestraw Law, Whitehope Law
Crossed the road then steeply up to join the Glentress Rig track which would take me most of the way over Wallet Knowe and up Windlestraw Law.

Weather station possibly, not far from the top

More tussocky ground once the main track had ended until reaching the summit trig

The Cheviot (not sure) at about 59km / 37 miles

Getting quite warm now – was already down to just a baselayer. Back down the ascent route. Met a couple of walkers on their way up. View towards the last hill of the day.

Blackhopebyre farm

Crossed the road then headed straight towards what looked like a bridge on the 1:25,000. Turned out to be three logs which, when tested, didn’t seem overly secure or able to bear weight.

Wandered upstream a short distance and managed jump over the water using a stick as fulcrum – fine as I was higher up than the other bank but it wouldn’t be an option on the return.
More or less straight up – steep going especially on reaching the longer, tussocky heather sections but didn’t take too long.
Big cairn

Cloud and heather being burned over towards Windlestraw Law

Extreme zoom on the heather being burned

Then just a case of heading back down the same way

Boots and socks off, flipflops on to cross Glentress Water – walked the short distance back to the car in flipflops.