Best mountain peaks around Tweedbank include the iconic Eildon Hills, which rise prominently from the landscape near the River Tweed and Gunknowe Loch. This area in the Scottish Borders serves as a base for exploring distinctive hills that offer panoramic views. The region is characterized by its undulating terrain and historical significance, providing varied opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Eildon Hill North is an historic, photogenic and widely visible landmark in the Scottish Borders. At 1325 feet (404 m) this peak is the second highest of the three Eildon (pronounced ‘Eeldon’) Hills located just south of Melrose. The significance of Eildon Hill North was recognised by Bronze Age and Iron Age peoples and by the Romans. This peak was the site of the largest Iron Age hill fort in Scotland. Up to 2000 people are thought to have lived here at the same time. Today the pockmarks from hundreds of roundhouse platforms and nearly 1-mile of defences are still visible. When the Romans came in about 80 AD they built their mighty garrison fort called ‘Trimontium’ (named after the three Eildon peaks) immediately below Eildon Hill North and also placed a signal station on this summit. Trimontium was the largest Roman settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall. The short but steep climb up Eildon Hill North is well worth the effort! On a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views. The popular St Cuthbert’s Way that runs from Melrose Abbey to Holy Island in Northumberland climbs over the col in the Eildon Hills and provides a pleasant way up Eildon Hill North.
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Fabulous views from up here; one of the most amazing views from a hill in the Scottish Borders - panoramic splendour anywhere you look! If you are wondering why there are three cairns here, these were put in the 1500s to mark the meeting of the estate lands belonging to the lairds of Selkirk, Philliphaugh and Yair.
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One of the best, if not the best, summit views in the Scottish Borders. Panoramic views wherever you look. On a clear day, the Eildon Hills are clearly visible, and the hills of Ettrick Forest are basically everywhere. Gorgeous! A word of warning... if you are climbing from Yair up here, it's a steep one!
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Go, just GO there & you’ll be in awe 🫢 (Weather permitting 🌫️🤞🏻)
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The central and highest of the Eildon Hills Eildon Mid Hill stands at 422m and offers the best views. Look northeast to the Iron Age hill fort ramparts on the north hill, south over the smaller Wester Hill and north over Melrose. The three hills are a great run from Melrose, steep and punchy but not actually that high or far so perfect for a half day or pre/post work run. Great views and some good vert for the distance.
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The most western and the lowest of the three Eildon Hills this is also the furthest from Melrose which is the normal starting point for this run. The Wester Hill stands at 371m and like the other two summits you still get great views.
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The north summit of the Eildon Hills stands at 404m. It was the largest Iron Age hill fort in Scotland with spaces flattened for at least 300 dwellings and a set of walls and ramparts around the whole summit. Later the Romans built a signalling station here. Today it's a great running loop from Melrose taking in the three summits in a nice loop.
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The most iconic peaks near Tweedbank are the Eildon Hills, a distinctive trio of peaks including Eildon Hill North, Eildon Mid Hill, and Eildon Wester Hill. They are a prominent landmark in the Scottish Borders, offering breathtaking views and historical significance.
Eildon Mid Hill Summit, the highest of the Eildon peaks at 422 meters, provides arguably the most expansive and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the hills of Ettrick Forest. Another excellent spot for panoramic views is the View of the Three Brethren, which offers vistas across the Scottish Borders, including the Eildon Hills.
Yes, Eildon Hill North is particularly notable as the site of the largest Iron Age hill fort in Scotland, believed to have housed up to 2,000 people. Evidence of roundhouse platforms and defensive structures are still visible. The Romans also recognized its importance, building their fort 'Trimontium' below it and a signal station on the summit.
The climbs to the Eildon Hills summits are generally considered intermediate. While there can be steep sections, such as the mid-section of Eildon Hill North, the majority of the ascent is manageable. The effort is well rewarded with stunning views.
The Eildon Hills are beautiful year-round, but late summer, particularly August, is a glorious time to explore them, as the heather is in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the landscape. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with stunning views regardless of the season.
Many of the trails around the Eildon Hills are popular with walkers and hikers, making them suitable for active families. Dogs are generally welcome on public footpaths, but always ensure they are kept under control, especially around livestock. For easier options, consider the easy hikes around Tweedbank, which include routes like the Abbotsford House and Gardens loop.
The Eildon Hills are located just south of Melrose, which is a common starting point for hikes. Parking facilities are available in Melrose, from where you can access the trails leading up to the hills. Public transport options to Melrose are also available.
Beyond hiking the Eildon Hills, Tweedbank offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore easy hiking routes like the Borders Abbeys Way or the Abbotsford House loop. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the Thirlestane Castle loop, and mountain biking trails like the Peat Law & The Three Brethren route.
While the Eildon Hills are the most prominent, Eildon Wester Hill, though the smallest of the Eildon peaks, offers excellent views back towards its loftier counterparts, Mid Hill and North Hill. Additionally, Meigle Hill and Black Hill (at 314 meters) near Tweedbank provide pleasant walks with views of the rolling hills in the area.
The St Cuthbert's Way is a popular long-distance walking route that runs from Melrose Abbey to Holy Island in Northumberland. It passes over the col in the Eildon Hills, providing a pleasant way to access the peaks, including St Cuthbert's Way at Eildon Mid Hill, and offers spectacular views down to Melrose Abbey.
The Eildon Hills and the surrounding Scottish Borders are rich in natural beauty, making them suitable for wildlife spotting. While specific species are not detailed, the tranquil setting along the River Tweed and Gunknowe Loch, combined with the varied terrain of the hills, supports local wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and other small animals typical of Scottish lowland hills.
The Eildon Hills are very close to Melrose, a charming town that offers various cafes, pubs, and other facilities where you can refresh yourself before or after your hike. Tweedbank itself also has amenities, and the area is well-served for visitors.


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