Smithy Cleugh

Valley in Midlothian

Scotland

Smithy Cleugh

Western Edinburgh from above Swanston Looking over Lothianburn golf course. To the left of the trees [the 'T-wood'] is the valley of the Swanston Burn, beyond which are the upper reaches of Swanston Golf Course, then Dreghorn and Redford Barracks and, even further in the distance, Corstorphine Hill and the Firth of Forth [11 km away]
Western Edinburgh from above Swanston Credit: M J Richardson

Smithy Cleugh is a picturesque valley located in Midlothian, Scotland. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery, it offers a tranquil and serene escape from the bustling city life. The valley is situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

The name "Smithy Cleugh" derives from the old blacksmith's shop that once operated in the area. The remnants of this historical landmark can still be seen today, adding to the valley's charm and character.

This idyllic location is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers, with numerous trails and paths crisscrossing the valley. Visitors can explore the breathtaking scenery, which includes babbling brooks, towering trees, and wildflowers in full bloom during the spring and summer months.

The valley is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, deer, and various small mammals. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot species such as red kites, buzzards, and woodpeckers.

For those interested in history, Smithy Cleugh offers insights into the area's past. Ruins of old farmhouses and stone walls can be found, providing a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the region's earlier inhabitants.

Overall, Smithy Cleugh is a hidden gem in Midlothian, offering a serene escape into nature and a chance to immerse oneself in its rich history. Whether it's hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the tranquility, this valley is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Smithy Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.890955/-3.2377562 or Grid Reference NT2267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Western Edinburgh from above Swanston Looking over Lothianburn golf course. To the left of the trees [the 'T-wood'] is the valley of the Swanston Burn, beyond which are the upper reaches of Swanston Golf Course, then Dreghorn and Redford Barracks and, even further in the distance, Corstorphine Hill and the Firth of Forth [11 km away]
Western Edinburgh from above Swanston
Looking over Lothianburn golf course. To the left of the trees [the 'T-wood'] is the valley of the Swanston Burn, beyond which are the upper reaches of Swanston Golf Course, then Dreghorn and Redford Barracks and, even further in the distance, Corstorphine Hill and the Firth of Forth [11 km away]
Bunkers at Lothianburn Golf Club In an angle of the T-wood, these could form the basis for a face?
Bunkers at Lothianburn Golf Club
In an angle of the T-wood, these could form the basis for a face?
Fairmilehead from White Hill Looking down the Swanston Burn, over the A720 Edinburgh bypass, to the houses of Swanston, Fairmilehead and Comiston, and on towards the Braid Hills, with Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags in the distance.
Fairmilehead from White Hill
Looking down the Swanston Burn, over the A720 Edinburgh bypass, to the houses of Swanston, Fairmilehead and Comiston, and on towards the Braid Hills, with Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags in the distance.
Path to Caerketton Up the embryonic Swanston Burn, this path leads under Caerketton Crags to a col between Caerketton and Allermuir Hills.
Path to Caerketton
Up the embryonic Swanston Burn, this path leads under Caerketton Crags to a col between Caerketton and Allermuir Hills.
Caerketton Hill and Craigs Looking up the Swanston Burn from the path leading down to Swanston.
Caerketton Hill and Craigs
Looking up the Swanston Burn from the path leading down to Swanston.
Thatched cottages at Swanston A small group of old cottages, famous for being where Robert Louis Stevenson visited for weekends from Edinburgh.
Thatched cottages at Swanston
A small group of old cottages, famous for being where Robert Louis Stevenson visited for weekends from Edinburgh.
Midlothian Snowsports Centre Looking up the slopes and tows towards Caerketton Hill. Reportedly the longest artificial ski slope in Europe. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midlothian_Snowsports_Centre" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midlothian_Snowsports_Centre">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Looking up the slopes and tows towards Caerketton Hill. Reportedly the longest artificial ski slope in Europe. LinkExternal link
Welcome to Midlothian Snowsport Centre Looking up the slopes and tows from near the entrance to the cafe and centre buildings at the end of the main run.
Welcome to Midlothian Snowsport Centre
Looking up the slopes and tows from near the entrance to the cafe and centre buildings at the end of the main run.
Edinburgh from Hillend Looking northeastwards from just above the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, over Lothianburn Golf Course and Comiston to The Braid Hills, with Edinburgh Castle to the left [7km] and Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat to the right [7km], and the Firth of Forth, with Inchkeith island in the centre [17km].
Edinburgh from Hillend
Looking northeastwards from just above the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, over Lothianburn Golf Course and Comiston to The Braid Hills, with Edinburgh Castle to the left [7km] and Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat to the right [7km], and the Firth of Forth, with Inchkeith island in the centre [17km].
Cottages at Swanston Originally probably three or four, but I think now combined, on the east side of the Swanston Burn on the path down from the Pentland Hills.
Cottages at Swanston
Originally probably three or four, but I think now combined, on the east side of the Swanston Burn on the path down from the Pentland Hills.
Victorian postbox at Swanston In the gable wall of one of the newer houses at Swanston <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2337456">NT2467 : Newer houses in the Swanston Conservation Area</a>.
Victorian postbox at Swanston
In the gable wall of one of the newer houses at Swanston NT2467 : Newer houses in the Swanston Conservation Area.
Newer houses in the Swanston Conservation Area Formally dressed stone, in comparison with the older thatched cottages <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2337363">NT2367 : Thatched cottages at Swanston</a>.
Newer houses in the Swanston Conservation Area
Formally dressed stone, in comparison with the older thatched cottages NT2367 : Thatched cottages at Swanston.
Hillend Ski Centre The artificial ski slopes at Caerketton Hill.
Hillend Ski Centre
The artificial ski slopes at Caerketton Hill.
The Pentland Hills in winter Looking southwest from near the summit of Caerketton, with Scald Law and Carnethy Hill in the centre distance and the Kips further away on the right. See a similar snowless and more recent photo from much the same spot by Callum Black <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/299196">NT2366 : Pentlands from Caerketton</a>. Date uncertain, but mid- to late-1960s
The Pentland Hills in winter
Looking southwest from near the summit of Caerketton, with Scald Law and Carnethy Hill in the centre distance and the Kips further away on the right. See a similar snowless and more recent photo from much the same spot by Callum Black NT2366 : Pentlands from Caerketton. Date uncertain, but mid- to late-1960s
Snowy Swanston Cottage Snow clad cottage in the old village of Swanston, suburb of Edinburgh, UK
Snowy Swanston Cottage
Snow clad cottage in the old village of Swanston, suburb of Edinburgh, UK
Chuckie Knowe A small wooded hill on the Dreghorn Ranges.
Chuckie Knowe
A small wooded hill on the Dreghorn Ranges.
Fence and dyke on Allermuir Hill One of the fences that meet at the summit of Allermuir heads northwards towards Edinburgh.
Fence and dyke on Allermuir Hill
One of the fences that meet at the summit of Allermuir heads northwards towards Edinburgh.
Head of the Kirk Burn View from the Allermuir - Capelaw col. The ground gets very boggy lower down.
Head of the Kirk Burn
View from the Allermuir - Capelaw col. The ground gets very boggy lower down.
Show me another place!

Smithy Cleugh is located at Grid Ref: NT2267 (Lat: 55.890955, Lng: -3.2377562)

Unitary Authority: City of Edinburgh

Police Authority: Edinburgh

What 3 Words

///water.rewarding.scale. Near Colinton, Edinburgh

Nearby Locations

Smithy Cleugh

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.890955,-3.2377562
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 55.8909273/-3.2446703
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 55.8944182/-3.2424396
Green Craig
Ele: 362
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 55.8887192/-3.2422954
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 55.8949967/-3.2378623
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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