Bleak Hope

Valley in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Bleak Hope

Cloud shadows in upper Glen Sax Seen from the ridge N of Birkscairn Hill. The skyline is the high ground between Glenrath Heights and Hundleshope Heights. — Cloud shadows in upper Glen Sax Credit: Jim Barton

Bleak Hope, located in Peeblesshire, Scotland, is a picturesque valley that offers a unique and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in a remote setting. The valley is nestled between rolling hills and surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

The name "Bleak Hope" may suggest a gloomy ambiance, but the valley actually exudes a sense of calm and beauty. It gets its name from the Scottish Gaelic word "bliochad," meaning a speckled or mottled appearance, referring to the various shades of green found in the valley's landscape.

The valley is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including red deer, otters, and a wide array of bird species. Ornithologists and birdwatchers are particularly attracted to the area due to its rich avian population, with sightings of golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys being fairly common.

Additionally, the river that flows through Bleak Hope offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from far and wide. With its crystal-clear waters, the river is home to salmon, trout, and grayling, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts.

Although Bleak Hope is relatively remote, it is easily accessible by car or public transport, making it a popular destination for day trips or weekend getaways. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the charming village of Peebles and the magnificent Neidpath Castle.

Overall, Bleak Hope, Peeblesshire, is a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty and serenity of the Scottish countryside, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Bleak Hope Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.593413/-3.2028542 or Grid Reference NT2433. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cloud shadows in upper Glen Sax Seen from the ridge N of Birkscairn Hill. The skyline is the high ground between Glenrath Heights and Hundleshope Heights.

Cloud shadows in upper Glen Sax

Seen from the ridge N of Birkscairn Hill. The skyline is the high ground between Glenrath Heights and Hundleshope Heights.

Summit fence, Middle Hill Renewed fence at the summit, with Dollar Law and Cramalt Craig (with the snow) in the background.

Summit fence, Middle Hill

Renewed fence at the summit, with Dollar Law and Cramalt Craig (with the snow) in the background.

Hundleshope Heights from Middle Hill The route to Hundleshope Heights - the darker area of heather - keeps straight on here while the fence swings left towards Broom Hill and Stob Law. The Bowbeat wind farm is visible on the skyline.

Hundleshope Heights from Middle Hill

The route to Hundleshope Heights - the darker area of heather - keeps straight on here while the fence swings left towards Broom Hill and Stob Law. The Bowbeat wind farm is visible on the skyline.

Birkscairn Hill from Broom Hill Looking across Glen Sax to the Old Drove Road crossing Birkscairn below the summit.

Birkscairn Hill from Broom Hill

Looking across Glen Sax to the Old Drove Road crossing Birkscairn below the summit.

Dun Rig from Hundleshope Heights Dun Rig is the name on the map given to the ridge in view, but is also applied to the summit of the hill itself.

Dun Rig from Hundleshope Heights

Dun Rig is the name on the map given to the ridge in view, but is also applied to the summit of the hill itself.

Hundleshope Heights trig point The trig point is just inside this square and is a few metres below the true summit, which is marked by a small cairn out of shot on the left. The Pentland Hills make a shapely skyline to the north.

Hundleshope Heights trig point

The trig point is just inside this square and is a few metres below the true summit, which is marked by a small cairn out of shot on the left. The Pentland Hills make a shapely skyline to the north.

Summit cairn, Hundleshope Heights The small cairn that marks the highest point. Arthur&#039;s Seat in Edinburgh is just visible on the skyline, left of the trig point.

Summit cairn, Hundleshope Heights

The small cairn that marks the highest point. Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh is just visible on the skyline, left of the trig point.

Cloud shadows in Waddens Hope, Glen Sax Light and shade on the patchwork heather of the hillsides here and on the plantations across the Tweed in Glentress Forest. The rocky peak catching the sun is Newby Kipps.

Cloud shadows in Waddens Hope, Glen Sax

Light and shade on the patchwork heather of the hillsides here and on the plantations across the Tweed in Glentress Forest. The rocky peak catching the sun is Newby Kipps.

Upper Glen Sax The glen narrows down south of Glensax farm. In the background are the lower slopes of Birkscairn and Yellow Mire Hill.

Upper Glen Sax

The glen narrows down south of Glensax farm. In the background are the lower slopes of Birkscairn and Yellow Mire Hill.

Birch plantation, Glen Sax Trees planted by an unnamed cleuch on the E side of Hundleshope Heights.

Birch plantation, Glen Sax

Trees planted by an unnamed cleuch on the E side of Hundleshope Heights.

Rock outcrop by Glensax Burn On rare occasions in these hills the underlying rock can be exposed in steep sections like this, where the burn has eroded into the bank. The track up the glen crosses to the other side to avoid this, and recrosses back higher up.

Rock outcrop by Glensax Burn

On rare occasions in these hills the underlying rock can be exposed in steep sections like this, where the burn has eroded into the bank. The track up the glen crosses to the other side to avoid this, and recrosses back higher up.

Track in upper Glen Sax There is a small patch of snow lingering in Middle Hinty Cleuch.

Track in upper Glen Sax

There is a small patch of snow lingering in Middle Hinty Cleuch.

Cleuch on Scawd Law A cleuch on the SE side of Scawd Law, not named on the 1:25,000 map. The snow patches are at about 550m.

Cleuch on Scawd Law

A cleuch on the SE side of Scawd Law, not named on the 1:25,000 map. The snow patches are at about 550m.

Upper Glen Sax Steep slopes above the Glensax Burn seen from the hillside N of Middle Hinty Cleuch.

Upper Glen Sax

Steep slopes above the Glensax Burn seen from the hillside N of Middle Hinty Cleuch.

Glensax Burn from above The twists and turns of the burn between Dun Rig (R) and Hundleshope Heights in the upper part of the glen.

Glensax Burn from above

The twists and turns of the burn between Dun Rig (R) and Hundleshope Heights in the upper part of the glen.

Inversion haze layer seen from Hundleshope Heights The characteristic level top of an inversion layer trapping haze in a high pressure system; here and there a few small cumulus clouds are forming where there is some convection. Although it was calm in the glen, at 600m there was a brisk and chilly SW wind.

Inversion haze layer seen from Hundleshope Heights

The characteristic level top of an inversion layer trapping haze in a high pressure system; here and there a few small cumulus clouds are forming where there is some convection. Although it was calm in the glen, at 600m there was a brisk and chilly SW wind.

Frosted heather, Hundleshope Heights The wide open spaces of this high ridge, about 670m, with Middle Hill on the near skyline.

Frosted heather, Hundleshope Heights

The wide open spaces of this high ridge, about 670m, with Middle Hill on the near skyline.

Summit cairn, Hundleshope Heights A January afternoon on this windswept top between Glen Sax and the Manor Valley.

Summit cairn, Hundleshope Heights

A January afternoon on this windswept top between Glen Sax and the Manor Valley.

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Bleak Hope is located at Grid Ref: NT2433 (Lat: 55.593413, Lng: -3.2028542)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///drooling.depravity.composers. Near Peebles, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Bleak Hope Hundleshope Heights

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