Melrose Eildon North Hill via Newstead

Start at the public Abbey car park on Buccleuch Street, opposite Melrose Abbey. Take the signed path beside the graveyard, cross the small footbridge and follow Priors Walk east towards Newstead. At the village end, follow the Borders Abbeys Way signs onto the lane and through the underpass beneath the Melrose bypass. The double-hedged track leads uphill to the old Bogleburn road.

Turn right briefly on the old road, then left onto the Eildon Hills Path. Follow the marked track through the gates and onto the open eastern slopes of Eildon Hill North. The final climb is steep in places. At the broad summit there are views across the Tweed valley and the surrounding Borders hills, with the remains of an Iron Age hillfort around the summit area.

Descend by the main walking path southwest to the saddle between North and Mid Hill. Turn north onto St Cuthbert's Way and follow the marked route downhill towards Melrose, through the field gates and down the wooden steps. Return along Dingleton Road and through Market Square to the Abbey car park.

Allow about three hours for this roughly 6 km circuit, including the climb and a summit stop. Wear walking boots, carry waterproofs, water and a map, and choose clear weather with manageable winds. The upper slopes are exposed, while muddy paths, steps and steep ground need care on the descent. Keep to the main paths to avoid eroding the hillside. Turn back if visibility or conditions deteriorate; this is a hill walk rather than a level town stroll.

The Abbey car park is pay and display, with charging hours from 08:30 to 17:00 every day. Check the current tariff, which changed in October 2026. Public toilets are on Abbey Street and cafés are available in town. The complete North Hill circuit was checked against Melrose Paths' route 6, the council's 2024 map and current closure notices on 3 October 2026.