Routes
With more than a decade of climbing experience in the Lammermuirs, we have been able to create routes which best reflect their magnificent and varied character, using a combination of established paths and unmarked routes.
Our walks offer a breathtaking sense of space and isolation, in this vast rolling massif, and reveal a hidden landscape with a remarkable natural and human story to tell.
Millennia of human occupation have shaped the hills in subtle and fascinating ways, and the moorland plateaux, lochs and valleys are a haven for wildlife. Once the haunt of the prehistoric Votadini tribe, who famously left behind the Traprain treasure, now in the National Museum of Scotland, and more recently crossed by drove roads used for centuries to transport livestock from the lowlands and salted fish from the coast, the Lammermuirs are imprinted with a rich human history.
Our routes pass these prehistoric forts and drove roads, and allow a vivid appreciation of today's grouse moors, with their buzzards, game and mountain hares - against a spectacular backdrop over East Lothian and the Firth of Forth, and across the Borders to the Cheviots.
Please note : participants will need hillwalking gear appropriate to the time of year and conditions. A level of fitness suitable for the route chosen is required. Walkers are also requested to bring water and a snack.
OUR MOST POPULAR ROUTES ARE :
1. Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir loop (half day)
An ascent of the Lammer Law (527m), with spectacular views across East Lothian and the Firth of Forth, followed by a picturesque circuit of woodland-fringed Hopes Reservoir.
(Height climbed 370m / 1214ft ; distance 11 km / 7 miles.)
2. Whiteadder Reservoir loop via Spartleton Edge and Priestlaw Hill (half day)
A circular route above the stunning expanse of Whiteadder Reservoir, starting at Summer Hill for a gentle ascent via Gamelshiel onto the summit of Spartleton (468m), before dropping to Whiteadder dam via Bothwell Hill. We then climb Friar's Nose to Priestlaw Hill (428m), and descend for an easy walk around the scenic shores of Whiteadder, returning via Penshiel.
(Height climbed 490m / 1607ft ; distance 10.5 km / 6.5 miles.)
3. Harestone Hill via Hopes Reservoir (full day)
An idyllic walk along Hopes Reservoir (north bank), ascending Harestone Hill (504m) for wonderful vistas over the Lammermuirs and East Lothian. We enjoy a short hike on the plateau before descending via Peat Law, then return by Hopes Reservoir (south bank).
(Height climbed 590m / 1935ft ; distance 14 km / 8.7 miles.)
4. Lammer Law north face via Lammerloch Reservoir (half day)
An ascent of Lammer Law's attractive north face from Kidlaw, via Lammerloch Reservoir and Lute Law, passing the headwaters of Cowie Burn, before descending Harehope Hill through the beautiful Easter Burn valley.
(Height climbed 307m / 1007ft ; distance 8 km / 5 miles.)
5. Watch Water Reservoir to Twin Law (half day)
A gentle stroll around Watch Water Reservoir (Longformacus) (north bank) to Scarlaw, along the Southern Upland Way for a brisk ascent to Twin Law (447m), with superb views across the Scottish Borders towards the Cheviots.
(Height climbed 277m / 909ft ; distance 10 km / 6.2 miles.)
6. Twin Law via Kilpallet and Trottingshaw (full day)
Starting near Kilpallet, in the heart of the Lammermuirs, this walk crosses the shoulder of Lamb Hill to reach Trottingshaw, before flanking Scar Law and joining the Southern Upland Way for an ascent of Twin Law (447m). Breathtaking vistas across the Scottish Borders towards the Cheviot Hills.
(Height climbed 652m / 2139ft ; distance 19 km / 11.8 miles.)
7. Stoneypath loop via Johnscleugh and White Castle (full day)
Stunning views of East Lothian and the mouth of the Forth estuary on the climb from Stoneypath to Clints Dod, before skirting the edge of Crystal Rig wind farm for a descent into the Whiteadder Water valley at Johnscleuch. Our walk climbs Bleak Law (411m) before crossing the summit of Rangely Kip, then descends to dramatically-sited White Castle prehistoric fort and returns via Mid Hill.
(Height climbed 501m / 1644ft ; distance 14 km / 8.7 miles.)
NOTE : We also offer easier walks avoiding the higher summits, if requested, and if there is a particular hill or feature outside these areas which interests you, please let us know.