Moss Cleuch

Valley in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Moss Cleuch

Peebles Rig from Dunslair Heights Whitehope Law (623m) is in view across the valley of the Leithen Water. — Peebles Rig from Dunslair Heights Credit: Jim Barton

Moss Cleuch is a picturesque valley located in Peeblesshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Moss Cleuch is situated amidst the rolling hills and verdant countryside, offering visitors a tranquil and idyllic retreat.

The valley is characterized by its lush green meadows, dotted with colorful wildflowers in the warmer months. Framed by towering hills and dense woodlands, Moss Cleuch boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The area is home to various bird species, such as peregrine falcons and red kites, as well as small mammals like red squirrels and badgers.

The centerpiece of Moss Cleuch is a gently meandering river that flows through the valley, adding to its charm and providing a peaceful soundtrack to the surrounding scenery. The river offers opportunities for leisurely walks along its banks or for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Moss Cleuch provides ample opportunities for hiking and biking. The valley is crisscrossed by a network of trails that lead visitors through enchanting woodlands and up to panoramic viewpoints. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and offer a chance to explore the area's unspoiled beauty.

Moss Cleuch is also steeped in history and folklore, with ancient standing stones and ruins of old settlements scattered across the valley. Exploring these remnants of the past can transport visitors to a bygone era and offer glimpses into the lives of those who once called this valley home.

In summary, Moss Cleuch is a captivating valley in Peeblesshire, Scotland, renowned for its natural splendor, abundant wildlife, and rich history. Whether seeking tranquility, outdoor pursuits, or a glimpse into the past, Moss Cleuch has something to offer for everyone.

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Moss Cleuch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.681478/-3.1218532 or Grid Reference NT2943. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peebles Rig from Dunslair Heights

Whitehope Law (623m) is in view across the valley of the Leithen Water.

Jim Barton

Summit of Leithen Door Hill

Clumps of rushes on the grassy summit with the forest edge on Dunslair Heights in view across Peebles Rig.

Jim Barton

Black Law across Leithen Door

Leithen Door is a steep 60m drop and re-ascent on the ridge walk from Dunslair Heights to Lee Pen.

Jim Barton

Road by the Leithen Water

The road serves the farms and forestry around the Leithen Water and Wiliamslee Burn. The white cottage is Hunter's Knowe and one of the Bowbeat wind turbines is on the skyline.

Jim Barton

Track junction at Hunters Knowe

The track to the right is not shown on the 1:25,000 map, but it is likely to have been put in before bringing in the wind turbines to Bowbeat. The sign advises that the road is 'liable to icing'.

Jim Barton

Leithen Water at Hunters Knowe

The cottage at Hunters Knowe; two pied wagtails were close by.

Jim Barton

Clear-felled area, Leithenwater Forest

Trees felled here have revealed a view of the Leithen Water and Williamslee to the left. The heather-clad ridge across the valley is Lamb Law.

Jim Barton

Felled area above Williamslee Burn

A view down the hillside along the edge of a felled area - most of this valley has been planted and logging is taking place further up the glen.

Jim Barton

Williamslee farm

The steep pass of Leithen Door is on the skyline, beyond the pastures at the foot of Peebles Rig.

Jim Barton

Leithen Door Burn

A tributary of the Leithen Water. There is a pass at the head into Glentress Forest.

Richard Webb

The Peebles Rig

A truncated spur above the Leithen Water, covered in moorland rather than the usual conifer forest. There is a road running across the hill which connects with the forest road network on Dunslair Heights.

Richard Webb

Road beside the Leithen Water

The road is the main access route for the power station on Bowbeat Hill and the vast conifer plantations around the Leithen Water. It now runs on a new course to the right of Hunter's Knowe (the white building), and the hairpin shown on the maps has become overgrown.

Richard Webb

Road, Hunter's Knowe

The road has been rerouted and takes a single go at the gradient to the north of Hunter's Knowe rather than the mapped hairpin. It is still an easy gradient. The road is used as a logging road for the forest and is the main access to the Bowbeat Hill power station.

Richard Webb

Logging equipment, Leithen Water

A log carrier is parked up for the weekend. A block is being harvested high in Craig Hope.

Richard Webb

Upgraded forest road, Williamslee Hope

A lot of work has recently been done on the logging roads. Soon a lot of timber will be removed from the forest.

Richard Webb

Lee Pen in view, Leithen Door Hill

On a post-New-Year walk from Peebles to Innerleithen, with the final summit of Lee Pen now in sight.

Jim Barton

Descending to Leithen Door

Leithen Door is a deep col on the undulating ridge of moorland running SE from Peebles to Innerleithen. Walkers here are about to descend 70m steeply then climb nearly 100m to the summit of Black Law opposite.

Jim Barton