Although the Garelton Hills are very modest, rising above rolling farmland, they still provide a panoramic walk along their spine with excellent views over much of East Lothian.
Bog Factor
Grassy field margins, footpaths and farm tracks.
Opposite Athelstaneford Primary School.
Bus to Athelstaneford.
NT535773
The Scottish Saltire - a white diagonal cross on blue - is said to have been first adopted as the national flag at Athelstaneford. On the morning of a battle against the English in 832AD the Scots observed a white cross formed by clouds in the sky. Afterwards the Scottish forces attributed their victory to the blessing of Saint Andrew, adopting his cross as their flag, and naming him their patron saint. Athelstaneford Primary School is obvious on the south side of the road running through the village; there is parking opposite. The walk begins from the left side of the school and attached house. Follow the signed footpath, crossing a field before dropping to cross the Cogtail Burn via a small footbridge. Turn left after the bridge and follow the field margin uphill to reach a farm track and a path junction.
Now upon the ridge turn right along the track to pass the small fort atop Seaton Law and reach the remains of Barnes Castle, a ruined vaulted fortification that was never completed, after being commissioned by Sir John Seton of Barnes who died in 1594. Continue past the ruins to reach Barney Mains farm.
Keep left of the farm, house and associated buildings to join a track, then turn right uphill past some cottages. Turn left back onto a footpath before the first house on the left, and soon joins a track - turn left along this. The track now continues uphill. Pass a patch of open woodland on the right at Kae Heughs; this is the site of the earthwork ramparts of a once substantial hillfort which can be visited via a short detour through the farm gate on the right.
The track finally ends abruptly at a farm gate, but there's a great view ahead towards the Hopetoun Monument.
It's possible to continue, passing the telecommunication masts atop the summit to reach a stone stile on the Haddington Road, but the road is fast and fairly busy so it's much safer and more enjoyable to retrace your steps, back past the farm and ruined castle.
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