Fala Flow

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
11.9 kms	04:00 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 345: Lammermuir Hills

Description

Fala Flow with view of the Pentland Hills

The walk begins at a track road just off to the right of the A68, a few yards south of the historic village of Fala. This route leads across wild and exposed heather moorland.

To start, walk past the cemetery on the right and continue straight ahead under the power lines that traverse the landscape.

For the most part the area is a blanket bog where Heather, Bell Heather, Cotton Grass and Sundew are found. The remains of the Fala Luggie, a tower built in the 1600s, is visible to your right. It is thought to have been built in connection with the Roman road Watling Street as a look-out tower. On the other side of the path is a small loch known as Fala Flow which is believed by some to have no bottom as its waters are of a dark peaty colour. Looking past the loch on the horizon we see the Lammermuir Hills with the towers of the Dun Law Windfarm clearly visible. The remains of Soutra Aisle are also visible.

Soutra Aisle was an important mediaeval monastic complex comprising a hospital, monastery, and church and was founded by Malcolm IV of Scotland. The hospital was run by Augustinian monks, and is believed to have been the largest hospital in mediaeval Scotland. Investigations have discovered that the monks of the hospital were using treatments to treat patients far in advance than current day estimates have suggested. The hospital was also strategically positioned between the Scottish and English borders and dealt with many casualties of Scottish-English battles. The site also boasts a rich variety of wildlife from otters to migrating geese.

Before crossing Brothershiels Burn, you will come to a gate. Take care to close the gate behind you as this is grazing land. From here, the track can become wet. Proceed in a loop towards the linear end of the route which you should follow back to the beginning.