The three green Eildon Hills over Melrose, with Border abbeys below and long paths through the Tweed country
The three rounded tops of the Eildon Hills stand over Melrose like a landmark you can pick out from miles around, and they give this stretch of the Borders its shape. Thirty-nine square kilometres of hill, farmland and the River Tweed, it is walkable, welcoming country with a lot of history folded into it.
Eildon Mid Hill is the highest of the three and a popular half-day climb from the town, steady rather than severe, with a big view over the Tweed valley from the top. Below, the ruins of Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey sit within easy reach, and two long routes, St Cuthbert’s Way and the Southern Upland Way, pass through.
The hills are grassy and well-trodden, which makes them a good choice for less-confident walkers on a clear day. They are still open and exposed up top, so take a layer for the wind.
