Long Cleuch

Valley in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Long Cleuch

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.
View from Ladyurd Hill Credit: Ian Dodds

Long Cleuch is a picturesque valley located in the historical county of Peeblesshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Scottish Borders, this valley is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The valley stretches for approximately 9 miles, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Long Cleuch is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The valley is dotted with charming walking trails, affording visitors the opportunity to explore its idyllic landscapes. The crystal-clear waters of the Cleuch Burn flow gently through the valley, adding to its charm and providing a soothing ambiance.

Long Cleuch boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. The valley is home to a variety of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and owls, which can be spotted soaring above the treetops. Additionally, visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of red squirrels or deer as they roam freely through the valley.

Historically, Long Cleuch has played a significant role in the local community. The valley was once known for its farming and agriculture, with traditional methods of cultivation being practiced for generations. Today, remnants of this rural heritage can still be found, adding to the valley's charm and character.

Overall, Long Cleuch is a hidden gem in Peeblesshire, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the tranquility of the Scottish countryside. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the walking trails or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, Long Cleuch is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in Scotland.

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Long Cleuch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.644138/-3.3325073 or Grid Reference NT1639. 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.
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.
Looking towards Penvalla from Cat Hill Penvalla is a distinctively shaped hill above Harrow Hope.
Looking towards Penvalla from Cat Hill
Penvalla is a distinctively shaped hill above Harrow Hope.
Summit fence, Riding Hill An old wall, an old fence and a newer fence cross the heathery top.
Summit fence, Riding Hill
An old wall, an old fence and a newer fence cross the heathery top.
Westwards from Riding Hill The view to Tinto in the distance across the col between Penvalla and Ladyurd Hill with Broomy Side straight ahead.
Westwards from Riding Hill
The view to Tinto in the distance across the col between Penvalla and Ladyurd Hill with Broomy Side straight ahead.
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.
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.
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. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1064945">NT1540 : Pass beneath Ladyurd Hill</a> shows this spot in a hard winter frost.
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.
John Buchan Way near Harrowhope Summer grasses in the meadow alongside the Easton Burn.
John Buchan Way near Harrowhope
Summer grasses in the meadow alongside the Easton Burn.
Ruins at Harrowhope The back of the ruined cottage by the Easton Burn.
Ruins at Harrowhope
The back of the ruined cottage by the Easton Burn.
Ruins by the Easton Burn The roofless remains of the cottage. The John Buchan Way passes its front door.
Ruins by the Easton Burn
The roofless remains of the cottage. The John Buchan Way passes its front door.
Small quarry below Hammer Rig An old quarry by the track south of Hammer Rig. Exposed rock is rarely seen in this area.
Small quarry below Hammer Rig
An old quarry by the track south of Hammer Rig. Exposed rock is rarely seen in this area.
Woodland on Tarcreish Coniferous woodland on the north side of this hill on the Stobo estate.
Woodland on Tarcreish
Coniferous woodland on the north side of this hill on the Stobo estate.
Track junction, Stobo The waymark indicates that the John Buchan Way keeps to the left.
Track junction, Stobo
The waymark indicates that the John Buchan Way keeps to the left.
Ruined cottage, Harrowhope Only the walls are standing as a reminder of this cottage by the track from Stobo.
Ruined cottage, Harrowhope
Only the walls are standing as a reminder of this cottage by the track from Stobo.
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.
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.
Fences and drystane dyke on Riding Hill The stones of the drystane dyke are covered in lichen.
Fences and drystane dyke on Riding Hill
The stones of the drystane dyke are covered in lichen.
Gates near Harrowhope Field and pedestrian gates on the John Buchan Way between Stobo and Harrowhope. Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4983910">NT1638 : Gate and stile near the Easton Burn</a> taken in 2016 showing a wooden stile by the field gate.
Gates near Harrowhope
Field and pedestrian gates on the John Buchan Way between Stobo and Harrowhope. Compare with NT1638 : Gate and stile near the Easton Burn taken in 2016 showing a wooden stile by the field gate.
Track on Hammer Rig Approaching the summit of the pass between Stobo and the valley of Stobo Hope.
Track on Hammer Rig
Approaching the summit of the pass between Stobo and the valley of Stobo Hope.
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.
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.
Show me another place!

Long Cleuch is located at Grid Ref: NT1639 (Lat: 55.644138, Lng: -3.3325073)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///manages.clouds.broached. Near Peebles, Scottish Borders

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.644138,-3.3325073
Ridings Hill
Ele: 478
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 55.6481699/-3.3300283
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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