NT5532 : Eildon Hill North

Eildon Hill North

404m Elevation
86m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NT5532 : Eildon Hill North

Jonathan Hutchins Photo source

Explore routes near Eildon Hill North

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Eildon Hills Circular Walk

This popular route starts in the town of Melrose at NT548034, heading south towards Eildon Hill North. Follow the St. Cuthbert’s Way trail to Bowden, climb the steep but well-marked path to the summit of Eildon Hill North, and enjoy panoramic views. Descend via Eildon Mid Hill and return to Melrose via a wooded path.

11 km ~4 hours Moderate

Direct Summit Ascent from Melrose

Begin at the car park near Melrose Abbey (NT548034). Follow the St. Cuthbert’s Way southward, branching off to ascend the direct path to Eildon Hill North. This straightforward out-and-back route is perfect for walkers seeking a shorter, focused climb.

5 km ~2 hours Easy

Eildon Hills Skyline Route

Embark on a more challenging hike that includes all three Eildon Hills. Starting from the same point in Melrose, ascend Eildon Hill North, traverse to Eildon Mid Hill and Eildon Wester Hill, and return via Bowden. This route offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic hills.

13 km ~5 hours Challenging

St. Cuthbert’s Way and Eildon Hill North

Combine a section of the St. Cuthbert’s Way with a climb to Eildon Hill North. Starting in Bowden (NT543304), follow the waymarked path towards the hills. Divert to the summit of Eildon Hill North before looping back through Bowden Moor and farmland.

9 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Sunset Stroll to Eildon Hill North

For a shorter evening walk, begin at the Rhymer’s Stone car park (NT557327) and follow the footpath directly up Eildon Hill North. This route is ideal for watching the sunset over the Scottish Borders.

3 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill

Elevation

404m

1,325 ft

Prominence

86m

Coordinates

55.5872, -2.7083

NT554328

OS Map

73

Explorer: 338

At the Summit

The summit features a cairn and a trig point, perfect for those Instagram snapshots after a good hike. Enjoy the satisfaction of being taller than a humble trig point!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy paths with some rocky sections especially near the summit.

Eildon Hill North is primarily formed from volcanic rock known as andesite, resulting from ancient volcanic activity. The rock formations around the hill are of great geological interest, showcasing layers of ash and lava flow.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, the River Tweed, and on a clear day, even the distant peaks of the Northumberland National Park.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Eildon' is believed to derive from the Old English word for 'hill', indicating its prominence in the landscape.

Historical Significance

Eildon Hill has cultural significance as it is steeped in local legends, including tales of Arthurian myths, with the hill being linked to King Arthur’s adventures.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

A designated car park located at NT556326 on the eastern side of the hill, which provides easy access to the trails.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from Melrose to the nearest drop-off point (approximately 2 km away), allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

There are several cafes and pubs in Melrose, as well as public toilets available in the town.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Sudden weather changes can occur, so be prepared for a mix of rain and sunshine. The terrain can become slippery when wet, and avoid wandering off the marked paths.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Eildon Hill North?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Eildon Hill North through the maps

Are there other walkers around Eildon Hill North?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Eildon Hill North search or of course create your own walk for Eildon Hill North

Can I organise a walk to Eildon Hill North?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Eildon Hill North.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Eildon Hill North?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Eildon Hill North here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NT554328

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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