Moderate: Pykestone Hill and Drumelzier Law

I've put this walk because I know it well and the views from the top are beautiful at this time of year - this is a picture I took yesterday.

The walk gives great views down the Tweed Valley and over the surrounding hills and North towards Edinburgh and Fife - three Donalds are climbed - Pykestone Hill, Middle Hill and Drumelzier Law.

The terrain is likely to be boggy in places but there are paths (some very faint) for most of the way. We'll also follow fence lines for part of the way. The ground was frozen solid when I did the walk yesterday (05/01/2026) so with any luck it might not be too boggy by Saturday!

Walk Stats

• Grade: Moderate
• Pace: 3 - 4 km / hour
• Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
• Ascent: 696m
• Time: 5 hours

Route
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/borders/pykestone-hill.shtml

Meetup Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGbJtSDzjMvo9NTL9

The start location is in the small village of Drumelzier, which is on the B712 road. Coming from the Peebles direction travel out the A72 towards Glasgow, turn left onto the B712 (signposted for Stobo Castle). Pass Stobo Castle and Dawyck Botanic Gardens, cross over a stone bridge on a bend entering the village of Drumelzier. Take the first road on your left and the parking area is a short distance along there. The parking area is fairly small so I have restricted participant numbers to six.

Participation Statement
“The Scottish Hillwalking and Activities Group recognises that hill walking, scrambling and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement”

Suitability
You are responsible for deciding if this walk is suitable for you, coming adequately prepared and looking after yourself on the walk. If we think the walk is not suitable for you or you do not seem to have the right equipment, we reserve the right to refuse to let you join, for your and the group's safety and comfort.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.

Dogs - I will have my dog Lola with me, other well behaved dogs are welcome but please check with me first as there are some breeds Lola has a fear of and can be reactive around. Part of the walk is through farmland so you may be required to have your dog on a lead at times.

Clothing and Equipment
Please make sure you bring and wear warm clothes, sturdy boots, some food and drink as we'll be on the hill for 5 hours.

Weather Forecast
Still looking pretty good for Saturday - chilly, but not much wind and no precipitation forecast so far!
https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcvsheue4#?date=2026-01-10

Lifts/Meetup time

• We'll be at the meetup location at 9:45am. Please make sure you are ready to walk by 10am sharp. We will only wait for 5 minutes and then leave.
• Please indicate whether you are able to offer a lift or whether you need one.
• If getting a lift, please make sure you take a bag with you for your dirty boots.
• I will be leaving Peebles at 9.15am and can offer a lift to two or possibly three people.

RSVPing
Yes: You intend to come and will turn up.
• No longer able to come: Please change to No so the group does not wait for you at the start and others can attend