Broughton Heights and Trahenna Hill circuit

Broughton Heights is the highest of the fine range of hills lying to the east of the village. With grassy ridges and steep heathery slopes, the hills gives some superb views. This route takes in Broughton Heights itself before returning over Hammer Head to take in Trahenna Hill.

Terrain

Grassy hill paths and tracks; steep, narrow path up heather for ascent of Hammer Head.

Public Transport

Bus to Broughton village, 1km from start.

Start

Walkers' car park at end of track past Broughton Place. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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There are 5 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 613m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT119374

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Broughton Heights
Sub 2000: Trahenna Hill

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Walkers are permitted to drive up the private track, passing the castle at Broughton Place, to reach a car park by an old cottage at NT 119374. From here begin the walk by continuing through the gate along the track, taking the main right hand fork to follow it as it climbs gently to pass above a small plantation. This section of the route is part of the John Buchan Way.

Stage 2

Here it passes through a gate and continues as a grassy track up the glen of the Hollow Burn, eventually descending slightly to cross the burn and continue up the far side. The route climbs up towards the bealach between Clover Law and Broomy Side, where the main track and John Buchan Way turns right. Leave the signed route here, instead turning left up a grassy track to continue up to the bealach.

Stage 3

Cross a stile to the right of the gate and follow the track that climbs steeply up to the right onto Broomy Side, keeping left of the fence. Once on the summit the grassy track continues northwards, climbing over the intervening summit of Green Law. There are superb views, particularly looking left towards Tinto, appearing in fine isolation.

Stage 4

Beyond Green Law the ridge and track descend to another bealach before the final rise to Broughton Heights - its necessary to cross a low fence to reach the summit trig point which is just to the right. Its position on the edge of the Borders hills ensures Broughton Heights is a fine viewpoint. The Pentlands look very fine from here, with the two Kips prominent.

Stage 5

Retrace your steps back along the ridge over Green Law and Broomy Side and down to the bealach, returning right back to the junction on the John Buchan Way. Now turn left here, following the main John Buchan Way track until it reaches a gate. Do not pass through this, instead turning right and following a narrow path through the heather to the right of a fence line, aiming for the steep slopes of Hammer Head. The path soon becomes very steep for a time before the ridge is gained.

Stage 6

Once on the ridge the path turns left together with the fence line to complete the ascent to the summit of Hammer Head, which is a delightful grassy top marked by a large cairn. Continue along the ridge, crossing a minor bump before the short ascent to the more extensive plateau of Trahenna Hill.

Stage 7

The actual highest point of Trahenna Hill involves a 500m detour from the plateau from a junction of fences - and can be omitted by those not interested in 'bagging' as the top is not particularly distinguished. To reach it it is easiest to keep to the left side of the fence branching ESE at first before crossing to the other side. There is no cairn at the grassy top - just a wooden post - but the views are attractive. Return to the main plateau and the track beside the fence.

Stage 8

Now continue SW along the track to the right of the fenceline. When the angle of descent eases fork right onto a faint track; this swings NW and continues the descent, eventually emerging back on the John Buchan Way immediately above the car park.

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