Cat Hill

Hill, Mountain in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Cat Hill

View from Ladyurd Hill Ladyurd Hill belongs to an obscure category of hills called Donald Deweys. The Deweys were originally drawn up by a Mr Dewey for England and Wales only, then subsequently adopted in Scotland by various hill-list compilers in the early 2000s. The Donald Deweys are Lowland hills lower than Donalds (which are Lowland hills starting at 610 metres, or 2000 feet, and follow no other real criteria other than being deemed important enough to be on his list by Percy Donald back in 1935) but at least 500 metres high, with a minimum prominence of 30 metres. There are 247 in total - I have yet to hear of anybody having done a &#039;round&#039; of them.
Where the actual summit is, is a matter of some debate. The OS map at the 1:25k scale puts it at the Southern end of the fairly long summit plateau, but confuse matters by showing it as being towards the Northern edge of the plateau on their 1:50k scale map. Near to the Southern &#039;summit&#039; are two shallow depressions; an 1850s OS map shows these as being at the site of an old whinstone quarry.
Whether the hill takes its name from the old farm below, or vice-versa is unclear. As is the meaning of &#039;urd&#039;, which also appears in other nearby placenames: Netherurd, Kirkurd and Lochurd. Wikipedia references an 1840s book which suggests it might mean quarter, which presumably would be as in &#039;living quarters&#039;, but other than that there is nothing to go on. — View from Ladyurd Hill Credit: Ian Dodds

Cat Hill is a prominent landmark situated in Peeblesshire, a county located in the southern region of Scotland. Rising to an elevation of approximately 450 meters (1,480 feet), it is classified as a hill or mountain depending on the definition used. Cat Hill is positioned within the beautiful and picturesque Scottish Borders, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history.

The hill is characterized by its distinct shape, resembling a crouched cat, which inspired its name. Covered in lush green vegetation, Cat Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers who are drawn to the area's natural beauty and tranquility.

In terms of geology, Cat Hill is composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, formed millions of years ago. These rocks have been shaped by erosion, resulting in the hill's smooth slopes and distinctive features.

The area surrounding Cat Hill is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, small mammals, and wildflowers. The hill provides a habitat for wildlife to thrive, making it an ideal location for nature lovers to observe and appreciate Scotland's natural biodiversity.

Access to Cat Hill is relatively easy, with several footpaths and trails leading to its summit. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike or a more challenging ascent, depending on their level of fitness and experience. The hill's accessibility, combined with its stunning views and natural surroundings, makes Cat Hill a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Peeblesshire.

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Cat Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.650236/-3.3386262 or Grid Reference NT1540. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Ladyurd Hill

Ladyurd Hill belongs to an obscure category of hills called Donald Deweys. The Deweys were originally drawn up by a Mr Dewey for England and Wales only, then subsequently adopted in Scotland by various hill-list compilers in the early 2000s. The Donald Deweys are Lowland hills lower than Donalds (which are Lowland hills starting at 610 metres, or 2000 feet, and follow no other real criteria other than being deemed important enough to be on his list by Percy Donald back in 1935) but at least 500 metres high, with a minimum prominence of 30 metres. There are 247 in total - I have yet to hear of anybody having done a 'round' of them. Where the actual summit is, is a matter of some debate. The OS map at the 1:25k scale puts it at the Southern end of the fairly long summit plateau, but confuse matters by showing it as being towards the Northern edge of the plateau on their 1:50k scale map. Near to the Southern 'summit' are two shallow depressions; an 1850s OS map shows these as being at the site of an old whinstone quarry. Whether the hill takes its name from the old farm below, or vice-versa is unclear. As is the meaning of 'urd', which also appears in other nearby placenames: Netherurd, Kirkurd and Lochurd. Wikipedia references an 1840s book which suggests it might mean quarter, which presumably would be as in 'living quarters', but other than that there is nothing to go on.

Ian Dodds

Looking towards Penvalla from Cat Hill

Penvalla is a distinctively shaped hill above Harrow Hope.

Alan O'Dowd

Summit fence, Riding Hill

An old wall, an old fence and a newer fence cross the heathery top.

Jim Barton

Westwards from Riding Hill

The view to Tinto in the distance across the col between Penvalla and Ladyurd Hill with Broomy Side straight ahead.

Jim Barton

Wester Happrew from Riding Hill

A farm in the Lyne Water valley with the ridge of Stevenson Hill beyond (L).

Jim Barton

Summit fence, Cat Hill

Cat Hill is a minor top (437m) on the ridge running NW from Riding Hill. Penvalla is the prominent summit to the left with Hammer Head in view straight ahead.

Jim Barton

Descent from Cat Hill

Wainwright's maxim 'Watch where you are putting your feet' applies here on a heathery slope with concealed bumps and hollows and the occasional piece of old fence wire. NT1540 : Pass beneath Ladyurd Hill shows this spot in a hard winter frost.

Jim Barton

On the slopes of Torbank Hill

On a strip of mown heather, with the small forested hill of Penveny in the middle ground and Tweeddale beyond.

Alan O'Dowd

Fences and drystane dyke on Riding Hill

The stones of the drystane dyke are covered in lichen.

Alan O'Dowd

Track on Hammer Rig

Approaching the summit of the pass between Stobo and the valley of Stobo Hope.

Jim Barton

Track on Hammer Knowe

The track traverses the steep west side of the hill with good views towards the Broughton Hills.

Jim Barton

Walkers on the John Buchan Way

Walkers just across the Hopehead Burn on the climb to Hammer Rig.

Jim Barton

A72 at Wester Happrew

A pair of crows fight against a bitter wind. Higher ground is getting fresh snow today.

Alan Reid

Ladyurd Hill

View from the flanks of Penvalla.

Richard Webb

Flint Hill, Broughton Heights

Wooded on the northeast side. This is part of a fine ridgewalk around the watershed of Stobo Hope over Penvalla, Ladyurd Hill, Pyked Stane Hill and Trahenna Hill.

Richard Webb