Borders Sub2k raid Hill 2.....Linton Hill

Hill: Linton Hill

Type: Sub2k

Height: 282m

After my short ramble up Sell Moor Hill I drove to Linton Hill which is another Cheviot foothill, to be found on the narrow back roads between Kelso and Town Yetholm. 

The mast visible top left

I parked on a muddy section on the side road across from the War Memorial, closely watched by the occupant of a nearby house who stayed at her window until I had walked away. 

Escaping the watcher I crossed the road and headed up the hard packed track which initially leads to a farming related garage/workshop before continuing uphill to the farm buildings which are adorned with squirrel ornaments. Indeed a grey one ran across the yard, had hoped it might have been a red.

Could have headed for the trees but stayed on the track

Then the track became more of a muddy tractor trail with a couple of gates to negotiate/climb over.

I spotted some cattle on the brow of the hill and they had spotted me. Two of which did some stiff legged jumps and ran around a bit. Flighty youngsters I thought and as I had another field beside me a slight detour seemed the obvious move.

Heading diagonally to the top corner

I thought the field was empty but there were fresh coo pats and as it was an undulating field I was on high alert in case I stumbled across some over a brow.

But as it turned out there was no issues other than there was high dyke running the length of the field with electric wires on each side which I had to get over at some point. Thankfully at the top corner there was another climbing gate.

What have you done with our mate?

Still trying to hide

Once again the next track had more fresh coo droppings so still looking around as I headed for the mast. I disturbed a flock of sheep who all went one direction apart from the village idiot who was now confused and separated from its mates.

The Eildons are never far away. Must be one of the most notable profiles

After having a look over the lovely countryside and the obligatory Eildons I reached the mast. Wandering round it I found the trig which was hidden behind it.

Zoomed in I think the right cairn is The Cheviot

Panoramic over Kirk Yetholm to The Cheviot range 

Nice views particularly across to the nearby Cheviot Hills, England is very close. With these 360 degree views it was no surprise that this was another Iron Age hillfort but most of which was destroyed by farming in the 1700’s so nothing to see. Just used my imagination.

Hownam Law on the left

Upon leaving the top I noticed an isolated group of Scotch Pines, not so frequent in the Borders. Also spotted on the left of the trees is Hownam Law which I hoped to do tomorrow.

As I clambered over a gate I noticed the farmer had dumped a fresh stack of hay right beside it. It was not there earlier. Coincidence or deliberate but luckily for me the coos had not yet worked out that it was there.

Glad I fitted it in today, a pleasant wee ramble with good views.

Ascent: 189m

Distance: 4.8km

Time: 1.19

Wildlife: Rook; Pheasant (m+f); Blue Tit; Wren; Crow; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Grey Squirrel;