Dunslair Hope

Valley in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Dunslair Hope

Edge of the woodland at Leithen Lodge The cattle grid marks the edge of the enclosed woodland beyond which the track continues up the Leithen Water valley. — Edge of the woodland at Leithen Lodge Credit: Jim Barton

Dunslair Hope is a picturesque valley located in the Peeblesshire region of Scotland. Situated amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. The valley stretches for several miles, encompassing a diverse landscape that includes meadows, woodlands, and a meandering river.

The valley's name, Dunslair Hope, originates from the Old English words "dun" meaning hill and "slaer" meaning slope, accurately describing the topography of the area. The hills surrounding the valley offer breathtaking panoramic views and are a popular spot for hikers and photographers.

The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, badgers, and numerous bird species. Nature lovers can enjoy exploring the extensive network of walking trails that wind through the valley, offering glimpses of its flora and fauna.

Dunslair Hope also boasts a rich historical heritage. Ruins of ancient castles and fortified towers dot the landscape, reminding visitors of the area's storied past. The valley has witnessed centuries of human habitation, and remnants of prehistoric settlements have been discovered in the vicinity.

The village of Dunslair Hope, located at the heart of the valley, is a small and close-knit community. It offers a range of amenities for visitors, including cozy accommodations, traditional pubs, and locally owned shops. The village hosts various events throughout the year, such as farmers' markets and cultural festivals, providing a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.

Overall, Dunslair Hope is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and a warm community atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland.

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Dunslair Hope Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.681752/-3.1125412 or Grid Reference NT3043. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Edge of the woodland at Leithen Lodge

The cattle grid marks the edge of the enclosed woodland beyond which the track continues up the Leithen Water valley.

Jim Barton

Leithen Water below Lamb Law

The valley is partly open hillside for sheep grazing and partly forested.

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

Upgraded forest road, Williamslee Hope

The road surface has been spread with crushed stone and compacted in preparation for logging work.

Jim Barton

The ruins of Woolandslee Tower

The ruins (centre) comprise an archway vault roofed over a small enclosure, with some surrounding low walls. NT3144 : Woolandslee Tower (remains of) shows a closer view. The original name of Williamslee Burn could have been Woolandslee Water, according to an article by William Douglas in 1892 describing several walks over the Moorfoot Hills (see Link

) published in the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal, vol. 2 p 26, 1892.

Jim Barton

Sheepfold, Williamslee Hope

A well-built circular sheepfold, now surrounded by trees.

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 Water

The river flows through woodland and past a wooded garden at Leithen Lodge.

Richard Webb

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