Cairn Hill

Hill, Mountain in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Cairn Hill

Western slopes of Scawd Law Looking down to the Walker Burn and over to Priesthope Hill (right) and Kirnie Law (left).
Western slopes of Scawd Law Credit: Gordon Brown

Cairn Hill is a prominent hill situated in Peeblesshire, Scotland. Located near the town of Peebles, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Rising to an elevation of approximately 570 meters (1,870 feet), Cairn Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, with rocky outcrops and heather-covered slopes. It is a part of the larger Moorfoot Hills range, which stretches across the Scottish Borders region. Cairn Hill is known for its distinctive cairns, which are piles of stones that mark the summit and are believed to have historical and cultural significance.

The hill is easily accessible, with several walking trails and paths leading to its summit. These trails cater to different skill levels, ranging from gentle walks suitable for families to more challenging hikes for experienced climbers. Along the way, hikers can expect encounters with a variety of wildlife, including red grouse, mountain hares, and birds of prey.

Cairn Hill also holds archaeological importance, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Ruins of ancient settlements and burial sites can be found in the vicinity, adding an element of historical intrigue to the area.

Whether it's for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or a glimpse into the region's past, Cairn Hill offers a memorable experience for all who venture to its summit.

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Cairn Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.637537/-3.0103156 or Grid Reference NT3638. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Western slopes of Scawd Law Looking down to the Walker Burn and over to Priesthope Hill (right) and Kirnie Law (left).
Western slopes of Scawd Law
Looking down to the Walker Burn and over to Priesthope Hill (right) and Kirnie Law (left).
Fence on Scawd Law south ridge Cairn Hill is the summit in the distance with tree planting on each side.
Fence on Scawd Law south ridge
Cairn Hill is the summit in the distance with tree planting on each side.
Gate Hope Steep sided glen to the south of Windlestraw Law. The road serves Caberstongrains and Seathope as well as the surrounding hills.
Gate Hope
Steep sided glen to the south of Windlestraw Law. The road serves Caberstongrains and Seathope as well as the surrounding hills.
Scawd Law The heathery summit. Scawd Law is a very distinctive top with two steep sides south of Windlestraw Law.
Scawd Law
The heathery summit. Scawd Law is a very distinctive top with two steep sides south of Windlestraw Law.
South ridge, Scawd Law The ridge descends gently towards Cairn Hill.
South ridge, Scawd Law
The ridge descends gently towards Cairn Hill.
Scawd Law summit This gently rounded heathery top will be a favourite for walkers who are uneasy with the craggy exposure on the more celebrated summits in the Highlands. In the background are the windswept grasslands of Windlestraw Law.
Scawd Law summit
This gently rounded heathery top will be a favourite for walkers who are uneasy with the craggy exposure on the more celebrated summits in the Highlands. In the background are the windswept grasslands of Windlestraw Law.
The lower end of East Grain The burn joins West Grain just downstream where they form Priesthope Burn.
The lower end of East Grain
The burn joins West Grain just downstream where they form Priesthope Burn.
Valley of the Gatehopeknowe Burn The track up the glen on an icy wet day with the cottage of Caberstongrains ahead.
Valley of the Gatehopeknowe Burn
The track up the glen on an icy wet day with the cottage of Caberstongrains ahead.
Scawd Law from Kirnie Law A thin covering of snow showing up well on the higher ground on these heather-clad ridges north of the Tweed.
Scawd Law from Kirnie Law
A thin covering of snow showing up well on the higher ground on these heather-clad ridges north of the Tweed.
Scawd Law from the south The sweeping slopes of the west side of Scawd Law where the ridge from Cairn Hill narrows somewhat.
Scawd Law from the south
The sweeping slopes of the west side of Scawd Law where the ridge from Cairn Hill narrows somewhat.
South from Scawd Law summit Looking down the ridge to Cairn Hill with its plantations on each side of the ridge.
South from Scawd Law summit
Looking down the ridge to Cairn Hill with its plantations on each side of the ridge.
Plover Knowe from Scawd Law The ridge northwards broadens out and gains height to meet the SW ridge of Windlestraw Law.
Plover Knowe from Scawd Law
The ridge northwards broadens out and gains height to meet the SW ridge of Windlestraw Law.
Track fording West Grain The track extends further up the valley than is shown on the 1:25,000 map.
Track fording West Grain
The track extends further up the valley than is shown on the 1:25,000 map.
Summit track, Scawd law Nothing here to mark the summit.  Although the top is very flat, the hill slopes steeply away to the E and W.
Summit track, Scawd law
Nothing here to mark the summit. Although the top is very flat, the hill slopes steeply away to the E and W.
Priesthope Hill A steep pull up through deep heather from the col with Corby Craigs, Priesthope Sware. The hill has suffered the attentions of motorcycle vandals and is badly cut up on this side with fresh erosion gullies forming along the tyre marks.
Priesthope Hill
A steep pull up through deep heather from the col with Corby Craigs, Priesthope Sware. The hill has suffered the attentions of motorcycle vandals and is badly cut up on this side with fresh erosion gullies forming along the tyre marks.
West Grain The small burn in the valley NE of Priesthope Hill. The heather-clad slopes rise to Corby Craigs.
West Grain
The small burn in the valley NE of Priesthope Hill. The heather-clad slopes rise to Corby Craigs.
Caberston Coffee Shop, Walkerburn This coffee shop is located on the north side of the A72 in the village centre.
Caberston Coffee Shop, Walkerburn
This coffee shop is located on the north side of the A72 in the village centre.
Superior fishing hut on the Tweed Fishing the Tweed for salmon can be expensive, and clients expect decent facilities.  This hut provides shelter and a seat when break time comes.  Note the rod support outside between the two sets of steps.
Superior fishing hut on the Tweed
Fishing the Tweed for salmon can be expensive, and clients expect decent facilities. This hut provides shelter and a seat when break time comes. Note the rod support outside between the two sets of steps.
Show me another place!

Cairn Hill is located at Grid Ref: NT3638 (Lat: 55.637537, Lng: -3.0103156)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///screeches.relocated.unlucky. Near Innerleithen, Scottish Borders

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.637537,-3.0103156
Cairn Hill
Ele: 500
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 55.6373243/-3.0101745
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 55.6373878/-3.0107576
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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