Meikle Says Law

Summary

Meikle Says Law is the highest of the Lammermuir hills but is not the most distinguished, being marked only by a triangulation pillar in the midst of very extensive moorland. The ascent still gives an enjoyable walk across lonely country, with burns to cross on the outward route and rough going on the return.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Moorland landrover tracks on the ascent, with some bridgeless burns to cross. Return is over fairly featureless boggy moorland but can be avoided by instead retracing outward route.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

At start of track at NT612636 on minor road over Redstone Rigg. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 263m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT612636

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Meikle Says Law

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

The walk starts from the minor road over Redstone Rig, where a gate on the west side of the road marks that start of a landrover track at NT 612 636; there is space to park opposite the gate without causing an obstruction. Begin the walk by heading through the gate and along the track, which disconcertingly for the start of a hillwalk soon begins to descend steadily.

Stage 2

Faseny Cottage is seen off to the left; it appears uninhabited but presumably was once a shepherd's cottage, it may now be used during the grouse shooting season. Pass through a gate and then turn right on a track leading up the glen of the Faseny Water, passing a barn. Keep to the main track which soon reaches a ford over the burn - this may be difficult to cross without getting your feet wet. Once beyond, the track climbs slightly above the level of the burn and continues up the glen.

Stage 3

After around 1.5km the track descends to reach the Faseny Water once more and on the next stretch crosses a further four fords, though in dry conditions it isn't too difficult to find a point to step across. Eventually the track curves left and climbs gently towards the headwaters of the glen.

Stage 4

After a slight dip the track climbs once more before curving left to reach the trig point that marks the summit of Meikle Says Law, at 535m the highest point in the Lammermuir Hills. The distant views are extensive but the flat plateau robs the summit of any drama. At this point the landrover track ends; the easiest return route is to retrace your steps. If intent on the circuit, however, continue in the same northeasterly direction following traces of paths in the heather.

Stage 5

The going is boggy in places and always rough - the path marked on OS maps is mostly fictional, as is the track which is supposed to be picked up after a kilometre. Continue northeast, following intermittent paths through the bog and heather. Once a line of grouse butts is passed on Dun Side the going does improve with a faint track; continue along this until it meets a much clearer track at a sharp bend.

Stage 6

Turn left here to follow the track, soon returning to the Faseny Water. Ford this (there is a footbridge 100m down stream but reaching this would mean fording a tributary!) to rejoin the outward route, and then follow the landrover track up the hill past Faseny Cottage to return to the road and the start of the walk.

Route Profile

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