Calfhope Hill

Hill, Mountain in Midlothian

Scotland

Calfhope Hill

Summit, The Struther Rough ground, grazed by horses. They stayed lower down the hill as it was rather windy. — Summit, The Struther Credit: Richard Webb

Calfhope Hill is a prominent natural landmark located in Midlothian, Scotland. Rising to an elevation of 424 meters (1,391 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Situated in the southern part of the country, Calfhope Hill is part of the wider Moorfoot Hills range.

The hill is characterized by its distinctive rounded shape and is predominantly covered in heather and grass. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the rolling hills and valleys that form the picturesque Scottish landscape. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Pentland Hills to the northwest, and the Southern Uplands to the south.

Calfhope Hill provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the area's natural beauty. Several walking and hiking trails traverse the hill, catering to various levels of difficulty and offering different perspectives of the scenery. These routes also provide an opportunity to appreciate the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region, including birds, small mammals, and plant species.

For those interested in history, Calfhope Hill holds significance as it was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. The hill is also known for its archaeological remains, including Iron Age forts and Bronze Age settlements, which provide insights into the area's past.

Overall, Calfhope Hill offers a captivating outdoor experience, combining stunning panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and a rich historical background. Whether it be for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, visitors are sure to be mesmerized by the natural beauty that this Midlothian landmark has to offer.

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Calfhope Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.700231/-2.9527903 or Grid Reference NT4045. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit, The Struther

Rough ground, grazed by horses. They stayed lower down the hill as it was rather windy.

Richard Webb

Young hedge, Caddams Cleuch

The shelterbelt was doing its work today, much more windy on the other side, on The Struther.

Richard Webb

Newly planted hillside, Symington

A block of young trees to the right of the shelter belt. View from The Struther.

Richard Webb

Fountainhall from the air

Shining Pool Wood is to the right and the wind farms at Hartside Hill and Dun Law can be seen in the distance. Viewed from a flight from Prague, heading for Edinburgh.

Thomas Nugent

Isolated dyke section, Gately Rig

A very short stretch of drystane dyking set amongst grouse moor and the odd bit of dun grassland. In the Moorfoot Hills, Midlothian.

Richard Webb

Over Shiels and the valley of Thrashie Burn

With Saughly Law, an outlier of Deaf Heights on the other side.

M J Richardson

Fernie Grain Sit Burn

Deep in the Moorfoots, a typical Southern Upland scene, a steep sided V shaped valley amongst flat topped hills. The steep land, drains, and can give good grazing, the summits are often heavy bog land with deep deposits of peat.

Richard Webb

Track and Moorland

Track on lower slopes of Mossy Rig, typical grouse moorland on the day before the glorious twelfth.

Adam Ward

Trap

Difficult to see but there is a spring trap in the middle of the log, I was told for stoats and weasels. Someone at The British Association for Shooting and Conservation told me also that although not illegal it wouldn't be considered best practice.

Adam Ward