Scotland – The Eildon Hills, Scottish Borders
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Time: 4hrs
Type: Hill and moor
Where: Circular walk over the Eildon Hills above Melrose.
Start/End: Market Square, Melrose (NT548340).
Terrain: Excellent paths and tracks, with some steep ascents and descents.
Maps: OS Explorer 338; Landranger 73.
The Eildon Hills may not be the highest hills in the Scottish Borders, but make no mistake: they are steep. Very steep. There are several tough climbs throughout this walk, although it is made slightly easier by the excellent paths and tracks that criss-cross this wonderful little range. However, any exertion is richly rewarded, as the vistas from each of the Eildon’s three summits are truly exceptional, spanning much of the region and beyond to the Lake District. The Romans named the Eildons ‘Trimontium’, meaning The Three Mountains, and established a signalling point on North Hill. However, the Eildon Hills were utilised by locals as a place of refuge long before the Romans set up camp, so its astonishing panorama has been witnessed and enjoyed for many millennia.
Click here to download a route card
Click here to download the GPS data for this route as a GPX file
Click below to see a route profile and view the route on an Ordnance Survey map
Click to enlarge
Click here for instructions on how to use Walk’s Routemaster Guides
Click here to upload photos taken along this route
