Start Melrose. Car park opposite Melrose Abbey.

Essentials 3-4 hours. Terrain Easy hill walk.

Finding the way

From the car park, turn right up Abbey Street and follow the road to Market Square. Cross the square and head up Dingleton Road until you reach the ‘Eildon Walk’ sign where turn left. Follow the path until you reach a long flight of wooden steps. Climb to the top and follow the path uphill heading for the foot of the hills until you reach a saddle between the N and Mid Hills. Follow the path on your right up to the summit of the Mid Hill. Return to the saddle and follow the footpath running through the Iron-Age fort remains to the summit of the N Hill. Return once more to the saddle and turn left, following the path until you reach the fringe of a woodland where turn left and follow the track that skirts the plantations. At the path junction turn left to follow the path which traverses slightly over the N Hill and then descends. Follow the path down to the Eildontree Plantation. At take the path bearing left around the northern side of the N Hill. At the T-junction turn right and follow the path to the main road where turn right again, and retrace your steps back to the start.

Points of interest

MELROSE ABBEY The ruins of a Cistercian monastery founded by King David I in 1136. It was the first Cistercian monastery to be built in Scotland.

RED GROUSE AND MEADOW PIPIT are common on the hills.

Staying nearby

Fauhope Country House B & B, Melrose, 01896 823184; info@fauhopehouse.com; www.fauhopehouse.com

Kirkton Cottage self-catering cottage, Melrose, 07584 040388; kirktoncottage1890@btinternet.com; www.kirktoncottage.com