Riding Hill

Hill, Mountain in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Riding 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

Riding Hill is a prominent hill located in Peeblesshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Sitting at an elevation of 477 meters (1,565 feet), it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.

The hill is situated near the village of Eddleston, approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) south of the town of Peebles. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the picturesque Tweed Valley and the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands.

Riding Hill is known for its relatively gentle slopes, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels. A network of well-maintained trails and footpaths crisscross the hill, providing opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. The trails showcase the area's natural beauty, with heather-covered moorlands, scattered wildflowers, and various species of birds and wildlife.

At the summit of Riding Hill, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. On clear days, one can admire the distant peaks of the Pentland Hills to the northeast and the Moffat Hills to the south. The hill's prominent position also makes it an excellent spot for watching sunsets and capturing memorable photographs.

Riding Hill offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish countryside and enjoy the serenity of nature.

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Riding Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.647926/-3.3304112 or Grid Reference NT1640. 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

Lyne Water

Flooding beside the Lyne Water near Wester Happrew.

Richard Webb

Lyne Water

Bank vegetation has been flattened by floods.

Richard Webb

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

Ruins at Harrowhope

The back of the ruined cottage by the Easton Burn.

Jim Barton

Ruins by the Easton Burn

The roofless remains of the cottage. The John Buchan Way passes its front door.

Jim Barton

Small quarry below Hammer Rig

An old quarry by the track south of Hammer Rig. Exposed rock is rarely seen in this area.

Jim Barton

Ruined cottage, Harrowhope

Only the walls are standing as a reminder of this cottage by the track from Stobo.

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

The pass on Hammer Rig

The highest point of the track between Stobo and Stobo Hope, used by the John Buchan Way. The small hill to the left is Louden Knowe with Trahenna to the right.

Jim Barton