These peaks, located just south of the Scottish Borders town of Melrose, are not particularly high, allowing you to enjoy a good hike.
At a maximum elevation of 422m, the Eildon Hills aren’t particularly tall, making them perfect for a good climb. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
The Eildon Hills are three prominent peaks just south of the Scottish Borders town of Melrose. The highest, known as Eildon Mid Hill, reaches an elevation of 422m, which isn’t particularly tall – there are over 8,000 higher peaks in the British Isles – but its conical shape provides excellent views from the top.
Eildon Hill North is almost as high, at 404m, while Eildon Wester Hill is just 371m at its tallest point.
You can climb all three peaks as part of a 9.5 m circular walk starting at the Nutwood car park in Melrose.
Melrose is an attractive small town that was voted the best place to live in Scotland in 2018. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Melrose is a small town within the Eildon committee area of the Scottish Borders Council. The Romans established a camp here called Trimontium, or Place of the Three Hills, and the town’s Trimontium Museum is dedicated to Roman life in Scotland.
The heart of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots from 1306-1329, was buried at Melrose Abbey. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 as a Cistercian monastery. The great abbey church’s rose-coloured stone facade is considered one of the finest examples of medieval church architecture in Britain.
The Eildon Hills Walk starts on Dingleton Road by following a path between two houses, signposted “St Cuthbert’s Way”.
The curious signpost. The paths are well worn and it’s easy to find your way. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Wester Hill as seen from Mid Hill. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
And North Hill as viewed from Mid Hill. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
At the top of Mid Hill is a trig point for surveyance and this direction marker. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Mid Hill and North Hill as seen from the top of Wester Hill. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
The small, green hill in the midground is known as The Lesser Eildon. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
The writer’s trusty hiking pole has seen some mileage over the past two decades. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Wester Hill and Mid Hill as viewed from North Hill. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Steps descending from North Hill towards Rhymer’s Stone. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Legend tells how Thomas the Rhymer fell asleep near Rhymer’s Stone beneath a tree. He woke to see a shining lady on a dappled grey horse, the Queen of the Fairies. She led him away to Fairyland, where he acquired the gift of prophesying the future.
Rhymer’s Stone, marking the site of legend. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
Back In Melrose, Priorwood Garden is a walled flower garden and orchard near the Abbey, where you can rest and relax after your walk. (Northumberland Traveller pic)
