Eildon Hills, from Melrose

The three shapely summits of the Eildon Hills are perhaps the best known landmark in the Borders region. They make for a fine half-day hillwalk from the attractive town of Melrose.

Terrain

Good hillpaths, though steep in places. The descent path has one section which is usually very muddy.

Public Transport

Bus to Melrose. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Abbey car park, Melrose. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.75km / 5.5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 477m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT547341

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Eildon Mid Hill

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the romantic ruins of Melrose Abbey; there is a public car park (charge) opposite. Facing the Abbey from the car park, turn right up Abbey St; this soon leads to the fine Market Square at the heart of Melrose. Cross the square and head up Dingleton Road opposite - its the one to the left of the library. The road leads under the bypass; a short distance further look out for a sign on a lamppost which indicates where to turn left onto a path between some houses; the route follows the signs for St Cuthbert's Way for the first few kilometres and so is marked with a white cross as well as the 'triple peaks' logo of the Eildon Hills. The path leads behind some gardens and then climbs a very long flight of wooden steps.

Stage 2

At the top, continue ahead up a now grassy path climbing between fields. As height is gained there are excellent views back over Melrose, and later Galashiels too. Pass through two gates to cross a track and keep climbing up the next field. After another gate the path continues ahead briefly towards Eildon North Hill before curving to the right to head for the col between the two visible Eildon Hills. The Eildons are quite unlike the rest of the Borders landscape, being the remains of an underground volcanic eruption. The solidified lava was then uncovered as the softer rocks above eroded way.

Stage 3

Continue on the path until it reaches the saddle between the hills. At this point St Cuthbert's Way is left behind; instead branch right onto the wider and obvious path that climbs steepy up Eildon Mid Hill. The new path swings diagonally right up the slope before curving back left for the final rockier climb up to reach the flat summit.

Stage 4

The top is marked by a trig point and a view indicator - the latter reveals that this must rank as perhaps the finest viewpoint in the Borders, with the steep upper slopes ensuring the outlook has depth as well as distance. The southern side of Eildon Mid Hill is particularly steep, so to reach Eildon Wester it is best to first return the way you came back to the saddle. Turn right onto St Cuthbert's Way once more; you then have a choice of either following the Way down to the edge of the woods before turning right up towards Eildon Wester Hill, or short cutting by taking a path which contours the slope from the junction just below the saddle.

Stage 5

Either way, the flat area between Eildon Mid and Wester should be reached, and a broad path leads up towards the latter. There is one very short steep section before the path continues up to the tiny cairn which marks the summit of Eildon Wester Hill. The view here is less extensive than from its higher sibling, but it does offer a fine prospect of the other two Eildon hills. Retrace your steps all the way back to the saddle between Eildon Mid and Eildon Hill North for a third time.

Stage 6

This time take the broad grassy path that climbs up towards Eildon Hill North. When it forks take the left branch to continue - with grand views down towards Melrose Abbey - to reach the large, flat grassy summit plateau. Eildon North Hill was the site of a huge bronze age fort covering 39 acres - 300 hut circles have been identified although it is likely that the site was only used for festivals and defence. Later this was the site of a Roman signal station for the nearby major fort of Trimontium (or 'Three Hills').

Stage 7

The summit is marked by a cairn with good views towards the Leaderfoot viaduct. Continue to the far end of the grassy top to find a path which descends the ESE slope. The path is quite distinct - keep directly ahead all the way - though the lower slopes are very muddy on the way down to Eildontree plantation. Keep left here alongside the trees to pass through a gate and continue down to reach a minor road.

Stage 8

Turn right at the road and then take the next left onto a track, also a part of the Borders Abbeys Way - note the AW waymarker. The track curves left and then right to reach the busy A6091. Keep right here to descend into a subway and pass beneath the road, and continue under the old railway. Beyond this turn left and follow a path which eventually curves to the right and drops down to the road in Newstead. Turn sharp left up Dean Road and then immediately right onto a footpath (AW and three hills marker). This old path - the Priorswalk - leads back to Melrose and was once used by the stonemasons of Newstead to go to work at the Abbey. When it reaches a housing estate in Melrose take the right hand branch of the road. Look out for a footpath on the right that leads to and passes through a playground before emerging beside the majestic Abbey ruins and the start of the walk.

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