Borders Sub2k raid Hill 4.....Belling Hill

Hill: Belling Hill

Type: Sub2k

Height: 354m

From my planning I knew that this should be another up and down in no time hill. But it does count for a blue balloon on Walkhighlands so it had to be done. There are two options and I opted to start from the south at Falside where there is a big parking area.

Not sure why there all these bins as there are no houses on this side. Maybe nearby farms are told to use them as the big area easier for the refuse trucks.

Anyway up the decent track in an easterly direction with good views when it opens up. The track climbs gently heading north until it reaches the plantation.

A 3 way junction where I followed the main track westwards until it ran out. This was a nice section as the Crossbills were active in the upper trees.

Now the track is rough ground and very wet and boggy. There were horse tracks around so this could be churned up.

Although the rough track continued I noticed a slight deviation track into the trees, was this the forest break I wanted? Only one way to find out.

Yes was the answer as it soon opened up but was even wetter and boggier underfoot. Wished I had put on my gaiters. There was a loud crashing of branches which gave me a start, of course a clumsy woodie emerged.

It didn't take long to reach the stone dyke at its 90deg junction which marks the high point. If I had ascended from the north there is a newish tree plantation and a deer fence that you can see in the snap preventing you from getting to the true top without difficulty. The view along the wall to the distant hump is to Rubens Law, my next ramble it time permits.

From the high point it became obvious that there was another forest break track at this V junction which I suspect takes you back to the rough track, just further along. From the snap I was taking the left route.

Brighter light looking south towards The Cheviots

Much darker looking SW but the shafts of light highlighted the green field

I thought that I could get one more hill in today so it was simply a case of retracing my route back to the car, but enjoying the atmospheric vistas as the winter sun was playing beautiful light tricks.

Ascent: 62m

Distance: 2.2km

Time: 0.35

Wildlife: Red Crossbill; Goldcrest; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon;