Blackwood Hill

1 August 2016

Participants: Just me
Where: Blackwood Hill, 447m/1467', Sub-2k Marilyn, OS Map 79, NY 531962

It was a long drive almost to Newcastleton in order to climb this hill. I was actually in two minds about whether to bother with it at all, as the map showed extensive forestry on its south-east side. I was glad that I did go, however, as it turned out to be a fine walk in very pleasant country. I had read about a route that involved almost all walking on the forestry roads but didn't fancy that. So I parked less than a mile from Steelroad-end at roughly 532938 where the forest had been cut down. The route that I had in mind went through some rough pasture and then alongside the forest edge to emerge on the ridge a couple of hundred yards east of the trig which is not the top. Looking back from part way up there was a good view of another sub-2k, Larriston Fells.....

 

 

and further round to the south-east, Peel Fell, just over the border into England......

 

 

There were a lot of electric fences about but fortunately there were also gates where I needed them. A further bonus was that the cows which obviously use these fields were grazing well down the other side of the hill.

 

This is the ridge that I now followed, again following a fence just outside the trees.....

 

 

Getting closer......

 

 

There were fine views to the west and the north from all the way along the ridge. Roan Fell was directly across the valley and I could easily make out the imposing bulk of Hermitage Castle, now a ruin but at one time an imposing border stronghold (towards the middle right in the picture).....

 

 

And here is a zoom of the castle.....

 

 

To the north of that were Caldcleuch Head and Greatmoor Hill, the former climbed many years ago from its north side and the latter still to do.....

 

 

There was a rough 4WD track along the ridge and I was soon at the highest point, marked by a tiny cairn right at the edge of the trees.....

 

 

I did think about descending one of the fire breaks but decided that I wanted more of the views so returned by my outward route. Just as well that I did, there was forestry felling taking place and a huge truck load of timber drove along the main forest road just as I arrived back at the car. However, the route that I took was 100% outwith forestry land and that is the way that I would recommend.