This short hillwalk follows the route of the Southern Upland Way to visit the summit of Twin Law, which has perhaps the finest cairns of all Scotland's hills. Situated towards the southern end of the Lammermuirs, it is a very fine viewpoint.
Bog Factor
Good tracks and paths.
Fishery car park at Watch Water reservoir.
None to start.
NT661567
The walk begins from the Watch Water reservoir, reached along a minor road from Longformacus. The fishery cabin car park reached after driving below the dam is privately owned but open to use by walkers - donations are accepted; there is alternative parking back along the road before reaching the dam. Begin the walk by heading out of the car park and turning left along the road.
The tarmac road ends at Scarlaw Farm. Go through the gate and pass to the left side of the farmhouse buildings. Continue on the track through the belt of trees, then ignore the main track which swings right, instead continuing ahead. After another 500m the track reaches a tarred lane; turn left here. Just before reaching the river look out for Dippie’s Well on the right, marked by an inscription. It was placed in memory of a 19th century gamekeeper who was said to stash his whisky here. Cross the bridge and continue uphill.
Ignore the track on the left - used on the return. Keep ahead until a signpost indicates where the Southern Upland Way turns off to the right to begin ascending the moorland - take this turning. The path gives excellent walking, eventually reaching a stone wall with a gate and stile. There are stunning views back over Watch Water.
Continue ahead along the path towards the two great cairns visible ahead - with a trig point between them. Each is built upon a wide stony base with a pathway cut into it, and each has a seat set into the side - the nearer, more slender cairn has a visitor log book.
Local legend has it that the cairns stand on the site of a battle fought here between the Scots and the Saxons; they commemorate two brothers who unknowingly fought each other and died here. The views are excellent, including the Eildon Hills and even the Cheviot, across the border with England.
Retrace your steps back down the Southern Upland Way to the track, then left along it. Before getting back to the bridge, however, you can vary the route by turning right onto the track mentioned earlier. This passes over the high ground to the south of the reservoir, eventually meeting the minor road. Turn left along this to head back down to the foot of Watch Water, passing below the dam to return to the car park.
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