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
- Grid ref
- NT 54822 32288
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 51km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 21:56
- Civil dawn
- 03:27
- Civil dusk
- 22:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Eildon Mid Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Eildon Mid Hill — common questions
- How hard is Eildon Mid Hill?
- Eildon Mid Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Excellent eroded paths from Melrose climbing through scrub onto heather and short grass.
- When is the best time to climb Eildon Mid Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Eildon Mid Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Eildon Mid Hill?
- 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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