Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir

Summary

Lammer Law, though not the highest of the Lammermuirs, is perhaps the best known, the massive cairn on its summit commanding extensive views on a fine day. This grand circular walk gives a real feeling of open space, and the descent past the Hopes reservoir is picturesque.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good hill tracks and minor roads; detour to summit of Lammer Law is boggy but could be omitted.

Getting there

Start

End of minor road past Blinkbonny Wood, near Longyester.

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus is to Gifford; the route can then be joined via minor roads to Longyester (3km) or via footpaths through Yester Estate (4.5km).

Start Grid Ref

NT541642

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 352m (Profile)

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Explorer 345 - Lammermuir Hills

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

Parking for this walk has been greatly limited recently. The large space where a track goes off to the right at Blinkbonny Wood is now chained off, but there is some space on the verge at the public road end. The car park at Hopes Reservoir is now only available by pre-purchased permit at specified days and times. Assuming you can find space, begin by following the tarmac public road past the wood to its terminus. Pass through a gate to continue the walk up the main track, signed as a public footpath to Carfraemill. The track follows the line of a medieval road and runs along the parish boundary. Ignore a track branching off right and continue climbing up to pass an old quarry.

Stage 2

Beyond this, ignore a left branch and continue up the track as it climbs across the empty moorland. Already by this stage there are grand views looking back and northwards to the Firth of Forth. The track begins climbing once more, swinging sharply left at one point. Eventually track passes through gate - continue until the fence on the right turns a corner - here a boggy trod leaves the track to the right / west - follow the trod with the fence on your right.

Stage 3

A gate (not hinged but lifts on one side) gives access to another main track - briefly turn right along this, then left on another very boggy path to reach the prominent cairn that marks the top of Lammer Law, with a trig point alongside. This is a superb viewpoint, taking in the Moorfoots and Pentland Hills, with Arthur's Seat prominent in the centre of Edinburgh and Fife visible across the Firth beyond.

Stage 4

Retrace your steps back to the last main track, then turn right along it. It soon rejoins the route of the old road (which comes in from the left). Shortly after crossing the low point turn left onto another track, passing through a gate. This track gives views down into the head of the glen of the Hope Burn on the left, and after briefly falling and rising it descends into this twisting, heather-flanked glen.

Stage 5

Cross the burn at a ford and continue on the track as it passes above the south side of the Hopes Reservoir, which is attractively set amongst a more tree-clad stretch of the glen. The track crosses a water conduit before descending to the house and farm at West Hopes. Pass through the gate here then bear left to stay on the main track along the valley floor, avoiding the buildings. The track eventually becomes a minor tarmac road and passes a fine old stone building at East Hopes before crossing a bridge over the burn.

Stage 6

Continue on the road for around 2km to emerge at the junction by the phone box in Longyester, passing through some very attractive rolling countryside backed by the Lammermuirs on the right. Turn left here and then keep straight on at the next road junction to return to the start.

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