Windlestraw Law circuit, Innerleithen

Summary

Windlestraw Law is the highest summit of the Moorfoots. Although a boggy plod when climbed by the baggers' trade route from the west, it provides the high point of an excellent circular when climbed from Innerleithen, following two ridges with some grand views.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Woodland paths, steep in places, heather moorland tracks and paths with some boggy areas. Descent is unpleasantly steep and eroded.

Getting there

Start

Car park on Leithen Road, Innerleithen.

Public Transport

Bus to Innerleithen.

Start Grid Ref

NT332368

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.75km / 11.75 miles
Time: 6 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 794m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Fiona / Donald: Windlestraw Law

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

Start from the car park on Leithen Road, and head north along the road, passing the church. Turn right after a cottage on the right hand side, heading along a drive track to an old hump-backed bridge over the Leithen Water. Turn right on the far side on a woodland path. Soon a junction is reached; ignore a descending right fork but then immediately take a rising left fork with a red and blue marker post (but ignoring the sharp left with the information board). When the path climbs to a t-junction turn left (red/blue post). Ignore the next unmarked path branching right, instead continuing ahead until the path forks again in a more open area.

Stage 2

Take the right branch here - marked red - to climb up to a hilltop with excellent views. This was the site of the Pirn fort and iron age settlement, and a series of carved sandstone plinths depict the local history. Continue across the summit on a fainter grassy path to begin the descent of the far side. Part way down fork right to descend very steep grass to a telegraph pole in the col ahead. Go across the main path here onto a clear path that climbs steeply ahead into the trees. The ascent continues up more open ground, with stunning views back over Innerleithen.

Stage 3

After crossing a flatter area atop Pirn Craig forestry is reached at a track. Ignore the main track across the route and instead take the narrower track directly ahead into the trees. This eventually emerges from the forest and then cuts around the eastern side of Kirnie Law before reaching the walled stone enclosure - once a reservoir - on the bealach beyond. From here take the track which continues up the moorland ridge. This reaches a wall and then continues to the left of a fence to the summit of Priesthope Hill. From here a steep descent - on either side of a fence - leads down into a bealach with forestry plantations on the left.

Stage 4

The climb beyond is best tackled on the east side of the fence, where a path climbs steeply before crossing several bumps as it heads on up to Glede Knowe. The going underfoot now becomes wet in places as the bends right and is followed - passing through a gap in a cross-fence - to reach point 657m, a southwestern top of Windlestraw Law, marked by a cairn.

Stage 5

A faint grassy trod avoids the worst of the wet ground on the 1.5km walk northeast to the trig point marking the main summit, passing through a gate along the way. The highest part of Windlestraw Law is perhaps the least interesting part of the hill; the views are robbed of depth by the extensive plateau but are extensive, with the triple-topped Eildon Hills to the southeast, backed by the distant Cheviot, whilst windfarms top some of the nearer summits.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps back to the 657m top; it is possible to bypass it and instead pass a prominent cairn to its left, but the going is more tussocky on this flank. The route now descends the ridge leading towards Scawd Law, following an ATV track to the right of a fence. Cross the top of Scawd Law and continue along the ridge - passing through a gate - to eventually reach the top of Cairn Hill.

Stage 7

A path to the left of the cairn descends into the forestry. It is muddy and can be overgrown in places as well as very steep, but drops down to eventually reach another, lower cairn, before plunging into the dense plantations once again. It emerges alongside a massive turning area at the end of a forestry track (a possible alternative descent route from here), before continuing ahead down through the trees. Eventually a t-junction with a path cutting across the hillside is reached when the descent ahead is blocked by a stone wall. Follow the undulating path to the right until it emerges from the trees, then turn left downhill. Pass through a gate and aim for the bridge over the burn beside the farmyard, then head out to the main road in the centre of Walkerburn. Cross the road with care and take the minor road opposite, signed for the Rugby Club.

Stage 8

After passing the school turn right onto a gravelly track, signed as a path to Innerleithen. This soon comes alongside the beautiful River Tweed. Pass to the right of a small cottage by the river before returning to the river bank. Go through several gates, following the Tweed to reach and pass under an old railway bridge over the river. Turn right just past this to head up onto the old railway line, and head west along it to Innerleithen. When the surfaced cycle path turns off right, continue ahead along the old line. This emerges on a lane at the edge of the town; turn right along it then left by sheds to reach and cross a footbridge over the Leithen Water. Turn right on the far side to eventually reach the main street. Go straight across to return to the car park at the start.

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