Russell's Cairn

Heritage Site in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Russell's Cairn

Passing Little Ward Law Scotchman&#039;s Ford and the Border Ridge are in view.

This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22. — Passing Little Ward Law Credit: James T M Towill

Russell's Cairn is a heritage site located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Eildon Hills, near the town of Melrose. The cairn is named after the famous Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott's beloved deerhound, Russell, who was buried at this spot.

The cairn itself is a small stone monument, consisting of a circular base with a tapered top. It stands at approximately three feet tall and is made of local stone. The site is surrounded by a low stone wall, adding to its charm and providing a sense of enclosure.

Russell's Cairn holds sentimental value for both locals and visitors, as it commemorates the faithful companion of Sir Walter Scott. Russell was said to have accompanied Scott on his walks around the Eildon Hills, and the author held a deep affection for the dog. After Russell's death, Scott wrote a heartfelt poem in his honor, and the cairn was erected as a tribute to their bond.

The site is easily accessible, with a short walk from the nearby car park. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Eildon Hills and the Melrose Abbey. Visitors can take a moment to pay their respects at the cairn and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Russell's Cairn is not only a significant heritage site but also a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their beloved pets. It stands as a reminder of the importance of companionship and the impact that animals can have on our lives.

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Russell's Cairn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.433/-2.23 or Grid Reference NT8515. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Passing Little Ward Law

Scotchman's Ford and the Border Ridge are in view. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

Looking back over Scotchman's Ford

On the approach to Windy Gyle, Scotchman's Ford has to be crossed. Not much to speak of at the moment, but one could imagine it being a boot soaker after heavy rain or a thaw. This view is taken on the approach to Windy Gyle, looking back to the ford. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

Triangulation pillar at Russell's Cairn, Windy Gyle

619 metres above sea level and offering a commanding view over the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

Split the Deil

Presumably this is the name given to this junction of tracks below the summit of Windy Gyle which also serves as the English/Scottish boundary. 'Deil' is an old Scots name for the Devil. Note the effects of erosion here, with narrow deep gullies having formed. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

On Windy Gyle with a view towards cloud-capped The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill

A beautiful, cold late afternoon on Windy Gyle. For the record, it was -2°C (-11°C with wind chill) at the nearby summit. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

Summit of Little Ward Law

The sac marks the 495 metre high top of Little Ward Law with Windy Gyle in the background. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Wardlaw Burn

The Wardlaw Burn runs through this deep set valley to eventually merge with the Trows Burn. When this photograph was taken there appeared to be a mere trickle of water flowing downstream. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Scotchman's Ford

This ford crosses the infant Wardlaw Burn which rises less than 300 metres away on the upper slopes of Windy Gyle. When this photograph was taken there was very little water flowing over the ford. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Windy Gyle Summit

The summit of Windy Gyle, the fourth highest of the Cheviot Hills, is marked by a huge cairn, known as Russell's Cairn, topped with a triangulation pillar. The summit enjoys near 360 degree views, and in this photograph both Hedgehope Hill and the mighty Cheviot are clearly visible in the distance. The Pennine Way passes over the top of this fine hill and is therefore one of the most regularly visited of all the Cheviot Hills. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Gate between England and Scotland, Windy Gyle

The gate leads from Scotland, where the photographer is standing, into England, and lies on the route of the Pennine Way. Ahead lies Windy Rig. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Pennine Way near Foulstep Sike

The thin path of the Pennine Way is, at this point, heading towards a crossing of the watershed of Foulstep Sike with the border between England and Scotland lying just over 100 metres to the north. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

West of Outer Cock Law

Looking down the gully on the west of the hill across to Windy Rig. The gully is very loose material comprising highly altered rocks affected by the long disappeared volcanic structure of the Kingseat area.

Steve Revell