Marilyn · Borders
Eildon Mid Hill
Eildon Mid Hill is the highest of the three iconic Eildon Hills above Melrose, rising to 422m (NT 54822 32288). The Eildons are perhaps the most photographed hills in the Borders, a volcanic trio overlooking the Tweed with an Iron Age fort and Roman signal station on the summit.
Quick facts
- Height
- 422m/ 1385ft
- Prominence
- 172 m
- Grid ref
- NT 54822 32288
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 51km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
volcanic rock 45% · heather moorland 35% · grass slopes 20%
The classic Eildon walk begins from Melrose town centre, following the well-signposted St Cuthbert's Way path up through woodland and onto the heather ridge to the 422m middle summit. About 6km circuit including the North and Mid tops — allow 2-3 hours.
Terrain
Excellent eroded paths from Melrose climbing through scrub onto heather and short grass. Loose volcanic scree on the steeper sections — go carefully when wet.
In winter
Excellent year-round walking. The eroded paths can be muddy or icy on the steep upper sections — micro-spikes useful after frost.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 1m
- Edinburgh2h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73, OS Explorer 338
Mobile signal: Good. Roxburghshire near Melrose; EE excellent.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:13
- Sunset
- 21:22
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:10
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Eildon Mid Hill — common questions
- How difficult is Eildon Mid Hill?
- Eildon Mid Hill carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Excellent eroded paths from Melrose climbing through scrub onto heather and short grass.
- What is Eildon Mid Hill's prominence?
- 172m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Eildon Mid Hill to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Eildon Mid Hill?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Eildon Mid Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Eildon Mid Hill dog-friendly?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Eildon Mid Hill?
- Good. Roxburghshire near Melrose; EE excellent.
- Is Eildon Mid Hill safe in winter?
- Excellent year-round walking. The eroded paths can be muddy or icy on the steep upper sections — micro-spikes useful after frost.
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