The Eildon Hills
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 7 kms | 02:30 (hrs:mins) | 350 metres | Explorer 338: Galashiels, Selkirk & Melrose |
Description
The volcanic Eildon hills, rise dramatically from the Tweed Valley, catching the eye for miles around. Iron Age people built a hill fort there. Later, the Romans established a large military fort nearby, called Trimontium, which formed the hub of their Scottish road network. The ingenious invaders also built a signal station on the hills capable of warning the fort of danger.
Facing the Abbey, turn right and walk up Abbey Street to the Market Square with its old cross. The Mercat Cross of Melrose was originally the cross that had been at the entrance to the Abbey precinct at "The Bow". It had an associated piece of land nearby called "Corse Rig", the rent from which was used for maintenance purposes. The shaft was replaced in 1988 and the metal staple which held the jougs (iron neck ring in which criminals were shackled) was fitted to the new shaft. The octagonal base dates from the mid 19th century, having replaced a set of five steps. The capital (which was replaced in 1990) takes the form of a unicorn, the heraldic supporter for the Scottish Royal Arms.
Head straight across into Dingleton Road and look for signs for St. Cuthbert's Way. Walk under the road bypass and in a further 150 metres, turn left as signed between houses on a footpath.
A long flight of steps leads you up towards the hills - but there are seats provided if you need a break! At the top of the steps go over a stile and continue on the clear path along field edges, through three gates on to the open hill. . North Eildon, straight ahead of you, has a major Iron Age fort on its summit and was also used buy Romans as a signal station for their large fort at Trimontium nearby on the banks of the Tweed.
St Cuthbert's Way heads uphill to the right, but you should go left, following yellow footpath arrows, on a path which contours around the hill slope. There are several forks in the path: keep high each time. There is a lovely view looking north-east over the site of Trimontium and the Leaderfoot railway viaduct, to Black Hill at Earlston, which has associations with the medieval soothsayer, Thomas the Rhymer.
Note: Strong walkers can follow the way marked Eildon Hills walk up to the saddle between the two main hills and the left over North Eildon to rejoin this route on the way down.
When you meet the path coming down from the summit of North Eildon, turn left and join this path as it head downhill through gorse bushes. From here on you are following Eildon Walk signs for the rest of the way. Go through a gate and onto a track, between fences, which is often muddy. Reach the Bogle Burn road (now closed to through traffic), turn right and in 100 metres, left down a lane between hedges.
The lane reaches the A6091 bypass, which is crossed through an underpass. Go under the old railway bridge and immediately left on a wide path. The path curves right, down to the road at the west end of the attractive small village of Newstead. Follow Eildon Walk signs half-left, passing through a small stable and onto a path which runs along a shelf with a fine view to the right and the Tweed.
Reach the houses at Priorswalk and continue along the road. Past an electricity sub-station, take a path to the right and walk through a small park, back to the abbey and car park.
Access Info
The starting point is from Melrose town centre car park opposite Melrose Abbey. Regular buses operate from other towns in the Borders and Edinburgh.
Additional Info
North Eildon has a major Iron Age fort on it's summit, and was also used by the Romans as a signal station for their large fort nearby.
More Info
Leaflet available from local tourist information centres entitled Walking in the Scottish Borders. The Guidebook '25 Walks - The Scottish Borders,' by Peter Jackson, is also available to purchase from the VisitScotland Borders online shop.
