Wednesday 21 February 2024

First in 2024, Macbeth's Castle and Mailingsland Hill

 19 February 2024

Participants: Just me

Where: Macbeth's Castle, 340m/1,115', P 80m, Tump, OS 73, NT 205334; Mailingsland Hill, 370m/1,214m, P 35m, Tump, OS 73, NT 259 425

The weather had been miserable for most of the year so far, overcast and rain. However, today was better, some sunshine although more rain was forecast to come in later. I set off for the Manor valley, south of Peebles to bag Macbeth's Castle. I parked in a large lay by to the north of the hill opposite a gate which took me on to the hill. It was a gradual grassy ascent.....

There were two cairns at the top, the south one apparently the higher by a few centimetres and good views north to Peebles and south down the valley.....




The best view however was to the east along a side valley to Stob Law and Glenrath Heights which are taken in on the traverse of the Dun Law group of hills.....

I returned the same way and transferred the car to Venlaw High Road in Peebles where there was plenty of parking. The route to Mailingsland Hill followed a good track passing the Venlaw Castle Hotel. It rose gradually with my hill visible ahead. It is the tree covered hill in the middle distance.......




The track took me to about 250m from the top of the hill. I couldn't immediately see a way through the trees but one eventually emerged; behind an old quarry and a tin shed. It was only a narrow fire break but good enough and led to a disappointing summit- no view......


I returned the same way with a view of Peebles ahead. A poor summit but a pleasant walk,



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