Deer Cleugh

Valley in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Deer Cleugh

The Pennine Way near Stell Rig Credit: Dave Kelly

Deer Cleugh is a picturesque valley located in the county of Roxburghshire, in the southern part of Scotland. It is nestled amidst the rolling hills and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Borders region. The valley is renowned for its natural beauty, with its lush green meadows, dense forests, and sparkling streams, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This tranquil valley is home to an abundant wildlife population, including a significant number of deer, which gives the area its name. The local inhabitants often admire the graceful sight of these majestic creatures roaming freely across the valley. The valley's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of other animal species as well, such as birds, rabbits, and foxes.

Deer Cleugh offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Hiking and walking trails crisscross the area, allowing visitors to explore the valley's scenic beauty and enjoy breathtaking views. The valley’s streams are ideal for fishing, attracting anglers from near and far. Additionally, the dense forests provide a perfect setting for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

For those interested in history and culture, Deer Cleugh is also rich in heritage. The valley is dotted with ancient ruins and historical sites, including a medieval castle and several old settlements. These remnants from the past provide a glimpse into the valley's fascinating history and offer a chance to connect with the area's ancient roots.

In conclusion, Deer Cleugh in Roxburghshire is a captivating valley renowned for its natural splendor, rich wildlife, and historical significance. It offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish countryside and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

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Deer Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.419161/-2.3128073 or Grid Reference NT8013. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Pennine Way near Stell Rig

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way on Lamb Hill

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near Beefstand Hill

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near Beefstand Hill

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near Raeshaw Fell

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near Stell Rig

Dave Kelly

Raeshaw Fell

View of Raeshaw Fell from the northern flank of Scraesburgh Fell to its south, looking over the deep stream valleys of tributaries of Scraesburgh Hope. Saddler's Knowe is on the left.

Andrew Curtis

Linear earthwork, Raeshaw Fell

The OS map shows that the linear ditch and bank which cuts across the neck of land of Raeshaw Fell just below the Border on the English side joins on the east side with the earthwork that runs along the edge of Dormount Hope. They should however be interpreted as different structures probably constructed at different times with quite separate functions. The boundary dike around Dormount Hope is thought to have been the enclosure for a Medieval Deer Park or hunting area. It is described here NT7913 : Linear earthwork towards Peelinick The boundary shown in this photo, and in the other direction here NT7812 : Linear earthwork, Raeshaw Fell, is instead likely to be one of the class of earthworks thought to have controlled passage along many of the routeways in the Cheviot Hills. In this case, it runs across the neck of the wide ridge between steep valleys, on the west Scraesburgh Hope and on the east Dormount Cleuch. Some writers have interpreted some of these structures as previously marking out of the England-Scotland Border as is thought to be the case with Scots Dyke in the west but there is no evidence for this here. Where they coincide it is more likely that the line of the Border used existing landmarks.

Andrew Curtis

Linear earthwork, Raeshaw Fell

See description here NT7812 : Linear earthwork, Raeshaw Fell

Andrew Curtis

Linear earthwork, north of Raeshaw Fell

Andrew Curtis

Gate on Raeshaw Fell

The fence marks the boundary between Roxburghshire, now the Scottish Borders, and Northumberland. The name was shown as Rushy Fell on OS maps before the 1920s. Rae is a Scottish word for the Roe Deer. Shaw is usually indicates a small (natural) wood (copse, thicket, grove), or alternatively, a bank of narrow ground, the top of which broadens out towards the foot. Link

Its earlier name is shown as Bushy Hill on Roy's Military Survey of Scotland (1747-1755), with Scraesburgh Fell to the south given as Black How. Later renaming has been used to explain the otherwise unusual use of the term 'fell' for hills in this part of the country. P. Drummond, 'A fiendish puzzle', Scottish Place-Name Society Newsletter, 21. (2006), 11–12.

Andrew Curtis

Moorland on Border Ridge above Dormount Hope

The line of the linear earthwork that surrounds the head of the valley of Dormount Hope can be seen on the left. It has been interpreted as a Medieval deer trap described here NT7913 : Linear earthwork towards Peelinick

Andrew Curtis

Turf mound north-east of Raeshaw Fell

Andrew Curtis

Small ponds north-east of Raeshaw Fell

Probably a similar structure to the nearby grassy mound NT7913 : Turf mound north-east of Raeshaw Fell visible behind to the right which had also shown signs of disturbance. The small ponds were filled with active tadpoles.

Andrew Curtis

Stell Rig above Dormount Hope

The valley just to the right of the long ridge of Stell Rig is called Hymer's Gap. Its burn has a source just west of Lamb Hill on the England-Scotland Border.

Andrew Curtis