Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Best mountain peaks around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm are characterized by the iconic Eildon Hills, a prominent feature of the Scottish Borders landscape. This region offers a mix of natural summits and historical sites, reflecting both geological formations and human history. The area features hills formed from ancient igneous sills, providing distinct geographical features. Historical significance includes evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age hill forts, as well as Roman presence.
Last updated: October 20, 2026
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Popular around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
MTB Trails around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Hiking around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Road Cycling Routes around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Cycling around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
Running Trails around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm
For a unique experience at the Waterloo Monument atop Peniel Heugh, consider visiting during the late afternoon. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the Scottish Borders, enhancing the panoramic views from the summit. To access the monument's interior and climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform, you can borrow a key from the Lothian Estates Office in nearby Bonjedward for a small fee. Remember to check the office's opening hours in advance to ensure availability. [1] https://scotlandstartshere.com/point-of-interest/the-waterloo-monument//
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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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An easy hill to climb up to (223m), with great views of the surrounding countryside - nice, far-reaching views, and a tree on the summit to rest and appreciate life for throwing these lovely moments for you to enjoy.
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The Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh was constructed between 1817 and 1824 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo (1815). The timber cap on top of the Monument was added in 1867. It's a place of historical interest and with beautiful panoramic 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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Great views of the surrounding area and the other Eildon HIlls. A steep mid section adds an element of toughness but the majority of the climb is pretty easy going.
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At 314m, this Marilyn is the highest hill around, other than the Eildon hills. This hill can be tackled by parking on the minor road from Cowdenknowes and walking up the farm track to the hillside. The fastest approach from there is directly up the side of the hill.
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The three shapely summits of the Eildon Hills are an iconic part of the Scottish Borders landscape and afford breathtaking views. Excavations have found evidence that the hill fort was occupied in the Bronze Age.
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The region's peaks, particularly the Eildon Hills, are rich in history. Eildon Hill North was the site of Scotland's largest Iron Age hill fort, with visible remains of roundhouse platforms. The Romans also recognized its strategic importance, building their fort 'Trimontium' nearby and a signal station on the summit. Additionally, the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh commemorates the Battle of Waterloo.
While many trails in the Eildon Hills involve steep sections, the general paths are well-maintained. For easier options, consider exploring the broader area. There are several easy hikes around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm that offer gentle terrain suitable for families, such as the Stichill Linn Waterfall loop.
The Eildon Hills are particularly beautiful in late summer, especially August, when the heather is in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the landscape. Visiting the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh during the late afternoon can offer a warm glow over the Scottish Borders, enhancing the panoramic views.
From the Eildon Hills, you can expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Scottish Borders countryside. Eildon Mid Hill Summit, the highest peak, offers expansive vistas including nearby towns like Melrose, Tweedbank, and Galashiels. From Eildon Wester Hill, you get excellent views back towards the loftier Mid and North Hills.
Yes, the popular St Cuthbert's Way, a long-distance route running from Melrose Abbey to Holy Island in Northumberland, climbs over the col in the Eildon Hills. This provides a pleasant way to access Eildon Hill North and offers spectacular views down to Melrose Abbey from points like St Cuthbert's Way at Eildon Mid Hill.
Beyond hiking, the area around Floors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And Smailholm offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore various routes for touring bicycles and road cycling, including the 4 Abbeys Cycleway and loops around local landmarks like Floors Castle and the Roxburgh Viaduct.
The Eildon Hills are a fascinating geological site. Their foundations are the eroded remnants of igneous trachytic and rhyolitic sills, formed when magma worked its way between sedimentary layers and solidified approximately 350 million years ago. This geological wizardry created the charismatic mini-mountains visible today.
To access the interior of the Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh and climb its spiral staircase to the viewing platform, you can borrow a key from the Lothian Estates Office in nearby Bonjedward for a small fee. It's advisable to check the office's opening hours in advance to ensure availability.
While many routes are considered intermediate, the climb up Eildon Hill North includes a steep mid-section that adds an element of toughness, making it a rewarding challenge for those seeking a more strenuous ascent. The Waterloo Monument on Peniel Heugh also has sections that can be steep.
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from the summits, especially from Eildon Mid Hill Summit. The rich historical significance, particularly the Iron Age hill fort on Eildon Hill North, is also a major draw. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the opportunity to connect with nature and history simultaneously.


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