East Cairn Hill and Mount Maw circuit, near West Linton

This grand circuit follows the open ridges of the more remote Western Pentlands. There are superb views throughout, over the main Pentlands range, over Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges, and into the Borders. The return follows the Thieves' Road - an old cattle droving route.

Terrain

Good going on grassy ridges over Mount Maw and the earlier half of the walk; much rougher and wetter on the heathery East Cairn Hill. Good going once more on the Thieves' Road.

Public Transport

None to start; bus service to West Linton, 4km from start.

Start

Baddinsgill Farm. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the end of the public road at Baddinsgill Farm, where there is space for a number of cars to park carefully without blocking gates. Begin the walk by heading back down the road towards West Linton for just over 300m. Just after a cattle grid, turn left through a gate opposite a footpath signpost (Carlops via Stoneypath). Follow the grassy path as it descends and then swings right to reach and cross a footbridge. On the far side briefly follow the Lyne Water downstream beside the wall.

Stage 2

When a corner is reached turn left alongside the wall, passing through a gate and then on ahead uphill. There is a series of duckboards but it is easier to simply keep uphill on the path by the wall. After another gate a grassy track is reached; turn right along this. Follow it as it gently gains height, and when at its highest point (with a gate visible ahead) turn left on a fainter ATV track up the grassy ridge.

Stage 3

Eventually a gate in a fence is reached - pass through this, continue along the grassy trod ahead which soon swings right to climb across the northern flank of Faw Mount and join the high ridge beyond, coming alongside the ridge wall. There are superb views out towards the Borders, across to Tinto, and down to Baddinsgill Reservoir.

Stage 4

The pleasant grassy going continues up to the trig point on the summit of Mount Maw. The views have now opened up further to take in the main ridge of the Pentlands, looking very shapely, as well as a glimpse of Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin in the Highlands if the day is clear. The ridge bears slightly right at this point; follow it, keeping left of the fence, over Grain Heads and then keeping just west of the summit of The Mount.

Stage 5

There are now views towards the Forth Bridges, but the terrain becomes heathery and rougher underfoot. There is quite a steep and rough descent to Deer Hope, the next col; the boggy ground at the bottom is best avoided to the left. Keep to the left side of the fence that crosses below the summit of Wether Law before descending to a second wet col at the foot of East Cairn Hill.

Stage 6

On the climb up East Cairn Hill the fence becomes accompanied by a stone wall, and there is some rockier ground near the southern summit. Beyond this the fence diverges from the wall to cut across a corner but soon meets another wall, following it across the highest point of East Cairn Hill, which is unmarked.

Stage 7

When the wall becomes a fence cross to the other side and continue along it until it bears left downhill. Leave the fence here, keeping on the path ahead. A path which heads left is used for the descent, but before taking it it is worth making the detour to visit the ancient and massive cairn, which measures 55ft in diameter and 6ft to 8ft high. This is a more satisfying spot than the true summit, with great views over Harperrig Reservoir and towrads Edinburgh.

Stage 8

Return to the descent path mentioned and follow it as it leads southwest down to Cauldstane Slap; it becomes very boggy. Just beyond the lowest point, the Thieves' Road is reached; this links West Linton to Harperrig (and originally on to Livingstone) and is part of an old drovers' road. Turn left through the gate to follow it across the undulating moorland.

Stage 9

After several slight up and downs the route becomes more of a track, passing through a gate descending past the west side of Baddinsgill Reservoir. Keep straight ahead as it becomes a tarred lane and leads back to Baddinsgill Farm and the start.

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