Having walked >76km during the past four days in order to complete the New Donalds, I wanted a shorter day today. I therefore set out to ascend some short Marilyns local to Peebles. The first hill I set out to ascend was White Meldon.

Hill: White Meldon
Date: Wednesday 19th November 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 2.7km, Ascent: 220m
Time: 55 Minutes


I parked in a small parking area opposite an information board about the Meldons.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

Before setting up the hill I had a quick read of the information board.

The Meldons Information Board:


I then crossed the bridge over the Meldon Burn and walked a short distance along the fence before climbing over it. Once on the other side, I followed a faint track up the hill.

Bridge over the Meldon Burn at start of walk:


Looking back to start:


Ascending White Meldon:


View south towards Manor Hills:


I eventually managed to pick up a much better path up the hill.

Ascending White Meldon:
 

Approaching the summit of White Meldon:


Half an hour after setting off from the car, I reached the summit of White Meldon. I visited the trig point and the cairn before returning back via the same route.

View from summit of White Meldon:


On reaching the car I drove to the Broughton area for an ascent of Goseland Hill.


Hill: Goseland Hill
Date: Wednesday 19th November 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 2.4km, Ascent: 185m
Time: 55 Minutes


I parked in a small parking area next to the track leading to Gosland.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

I entered the gate to Gosland and then set off uphill alongside the fence. From the outset I had good views across to Cardon Hill and other Coulter Donalds. I ascended the round of Coulter Donalds earlier this year.

Looking back to start and across to Cardon Hill:


The ascent was trackless but was straightforward as the heather was really short. During the ascent I passed countless rabbit holes but didn't see a single rabbit.

Ascending Goseland Hill:


It was nice to see Tinto in the distance.

Looking towards Tinto in the distance:


Ascending Goseland Hill:


I initially visited the SE top before heading for the main summit.

Looking towards Manor Hills above Drumelzier from SE top:


Goseland Hill from SE top:


En-route to the summit I crossed over a good track. I decided that I would use this track on the way back. On reaching the summit I stopped to take several photos. Tinto is very prominent from the summit as is Biggar.

Looking towards Tinto from the summit of Goseland Hill:


Biggar (zoom):


I initially returned the same way until reaching the good track which I followed down to Gosland.

Descent to Gosland:


Tinto (zoom):


I had originally intended ascending only two Marilyns today but as it was only 11:00 when I got back to the car, I decided to ascend a third Marilyn. Next I drove to Cademuir for an ascent of Cademuir Hill.


Hill: Cademuir Hill
Date: Wednesday 19th November 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 7.8km, Ascent: 380m
Time: 2Hrs 5Mins


I parked in a small parking area near to the entrance to Cademuir. Instead of a quick up and down, I decided to traverse the ridge visiting the forts en-route to the main top. Cademuir Hill is completely covered in trees so I expected a bit of exploration to reach the actual summit.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

I set off up a narrow path making my way towards the 322m top.

Start of walk:


Cademuir and Manor Water:


Ascending towards 322m top:


In just over ten minutes I was at the 322m top.

Looking towards Cademuir Fort (407m top) from 322m top:


The best section of fort lies a short distance beyond the 322m top.

Fort with 407m top and Cademuir Hill beyond:


On the fort:


Looking back to fort:


I followed an excellent track out to the 407m top (which is a twin top).

Heading for Cademuir Fort (407m top):


Looking towards Peebles from Cademuir Fort:


Peebles (zoom):


From the 407m top I continued to follow the excellent track out towards the main summit. During the descent, I wondered if Cademuir Fort was a HuMP as there seemed quite a drop between the two hills. I checked when I got back and can confirm that it is not a HumP as the drop is only 90m.

Heading for Cademuir Hill:


On reaching a marker post I discovered that I was now on the John Buchan Way. I wondered if I could make the summit in thirty-nine steps .

On the John Buchan Way:


On reaching a gate in the dyke, I passed through it and entered the forest. It was now a case of make it up as I went along as I hadn't researched this hill.

Gate into Cademuir Plantation:


From the other side of the gate, I followed a narrow track which soon started to descend. I didn't want to lose height but at the same time there really didn't look any other viable option. After dropping 30-40m, I came to an excellent wide vehicle track. I followed the wide track to its highest point.

Wide track within the forest:


At the high point I noticed a foot/cycle path leading uphill. I decided to follow this track.

Track to summit:


The track was very muddy owing to numerous boots and numerous wheels. It did however lead me right to the summit .

Into the darkness:


On reaching the summit I stopped to take a photo then returned back the same way through the forest. I didn't want to hang around as it was now raining and I hadn't taken a jacket, as the MetOffice forecast had suggested the weather would be improving as the day went on.

Summit of Cademuir Hill:


The MetOffice forecast turned out to be wrong. I was soon walking along in lashing rain and getting completely soaked.

Instead of traversing back along the ridge, I followed the John Buchan Way down to the road. Once on the road I walked back along the road to Cademuir.

Following the dyke back to the road:


Looking back to Cademuir Hill:


Descent via the John Buchan Way back to the road:


Three easy Marilyns in under four hours of walking.