Gallow Hill

Hill, Mountain in Midlothian

Scotland

Gallow Hill

Dubious doorway, Currie House Beyond is an extended garden, the danger however is obvious. — Dubious doorway, Currie House Credit: Richard Webb

Gallow Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated within the Scottish Lowlands, this hill is part of the wider Pentland Hills range, renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 460 meters (1,509 feet), Gallow Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is characterized by its gently sloping sides, covered in a patchwork of greenery and heather, which makes it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. The hill's exposed rocky outcrops add to its rugged charm and provide opportunities for rock climbing and scrambling.

Gallow Hill holds historical significance as well. It is believed that the name "Gallow" originates from the gallows that once stood on the hill during medieval times. These gallows served as a site for public executions, a grim reminder of the area's past. Today, the hill serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for those interested in the region's history.

Access to Gallow Hill is relatively straightforward, with various walking routes and trails leading to its summit. The nearby towns of Penicuik and Loanhead provide convenient starting points for those planning to explore the hill. Additionally, the Pentland Hills Regional Park, of which Gallow Hill is a part, offers a range of amenities and visitor facilities to enhance the outdoor experience.

Gallow Hill in Midlothian is a scenic and historically significant destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and reminders of the region's past.

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Gallow Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.841161/-3.0220269 or Grid Reference NT3661. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dubious doorway, Currie House

Beyond is an extended garden, the danger however is obvious.

Richard Webb

Currie Bridge

Crossing Middleton South Burn / Gore Water by Borthwick Castle. There are two path entrances here which form a 2km loop of high quality woodland and gorge scenery.

Richard Webb

West from Borthwick Bank

Looking to Borthwick Castle with the valley of the Gore Water beyond and the Pentland Hills on the horizon.

Jim Barton

Fields at Haughhead

Looking across to Catcune House.

M J Richardson

Borthwick Farm

And bridge over the Gore Water. Other views for comparison, 4 and 6 years earlier, are NT3659 : Borthwick Farm and the bridge over Gore Water and NT3659 : Borthwick village.

M J Richardson

Currie Wood

The entrance to this Woodland Trust property that runs alongside the Gore Water at Borthwick.

M J Richardson

Scout hut at Borthwick

With playing field, and with no large population nearby, it looks as if it could be a 'camp' site facility.

M J Richardson

Borthwick Castle, from the bridge over the Gore Water

A 15thC castle set in an imposing position above the Gore Water.

M J Richardson

Borthwick Farm buildings

By the bridge over the Gore Water.

M J Richardson

Borthwick Castle from Borthwick Mains

Showing the damage inflicted by Cromwell and his supporters - for more details see Kim Traynor's detailed coverage of the subject, e.g. NT3659 : Oliver Cromwell's calling card, Borthwick Castle.

M J Richardson

The entrance gates to Borthwick Parish Churchyard

The gates and pillars double up as a World War One memorial.

Walter Baxter

New embankment for the Borders Railway

Overlooking the Gore Water at Borthwick'

M J Richardson

Sunlit pasture at Borthwick

On a grey day a brief shaft of sun illuminates a field of cattle across the Gore Water at Borthwick Farm. Borthwick Castle and the kirk enrich the landscape of this secluded valley.

Greg Fitchett