Eildon Hills Three Summits from Melrose
Scottish Borders
The three Eildon Hills rise directly behind Melrose and are the defining landmark of the central Borders. It's a proper hill day for a fit dog, though sheep above Melrose and cattle on the lower slopes mean a lead for most of the climb. The Roman fort at nearby Newstead, Trimontium, was named after them. Eildon Hill North carries one of the largest hill forts in Scotland, with more than five kilometres of ramparts enclosing around 300 hut platforms, and the Romans later built a signal station on its summit. This circuit of about 9km starts from the Nutwood car park near Melrose Abbey, climbs out of town on the St Cuthbert's Way and takes in all three tops, including Eildon Mid Hill at 422 metres, the highest. Expect around 570 metres of ascent, with steep pulls and descents on a mix of paths, farm tracks and open grass.
This dog friendly walk suits fit dogs that are happy on steep ground, but it needs a lead for a fair share of the route. The first fields out of Melrose hold sheep, and walkers report meeting sheep and cattle on the lower slopes, so keep your dog close wherever stock is grazing. On the open tops, with no animals in sight, a dog with sharp recall can have some freedom. There is little shade and no reliable water on the hills, so carry plenty for your dog on warm days. Toilets are on Abbey Street near the car park, and Melrose has plenty of places to eat after the walk.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Public toilets on Abbey Street near the car park; cafes, pubs and shops in Melrose.
- Parking
- Nutwood car park near Melrose Abbey, off the B6374; the Abbey car park on Buccleuch Street is an alternative.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Eildon Hills Three Summits from Melrose, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Post Office - Hawick
Sleeps 2 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £457 / 7 nights
The Byre At Brothershiels
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £673 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Scottish BordersFrequently Asked Questions
Is Eildon Hills Three Summits from Melrose dog friendly?
Yes, and it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The paths are well used, the open summits give a real sense of space, and the walk starts right in Melrose. The score reflects the sheep and cattle on the lower slopes, the lack of water or shade on the hills and the town streets at either end, all of which mean your dog spends much of the walk on a lead.
Can dogs be off lead at Eildon Hills Three Summits from Melrose?
Only in places. Sheep graze the fields on the way up from Melrose and cattle are sometimes met on the lower slopes, so dogs should be on a lead there and at any time livestock is in sight. On the open grassy tops, if there are no animals around, a dog with reliable recall can usually walk free. The streets of Melrose at the start and finish need a lead too.
What should I know before visiting Eildon Hills Three Summits from Melrose with my dog?
This is a steep walk, with around 570 metres of climbing over three summits, so it suits fit dogs and allow at least three and a half hours. Carry water, as there is little on the hills and almost no shade. Paths can be muddy and slippery on the descents after rain. You can shorten the walk by climbing only Eildon Hill North from the saddle. Toilets are on Abbey Street in Melrose.
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