Peel and Yair

Although this route is of a moderate length it includes a climb up to Neidpath Hill where you can enjoy stunning views of the Moorfoot Hills.

You will get a view of Caddonfoot Church built in 1861 and nestled into the side of the hill below Meigle Farm; partly following the Southern Upland Way you will descend alongside the charming Blakehope Burn over-hung by moss laden alders.

1. From the car park at Glenkinnon Community Woodland turn right, back towards the bridge and follow the track before the bridge onto the Peel Path, part of the Yair cycle route. Part of the way along the path you will gain a view of Caddonfoot Church nestled into the hillside below Meigle Farm. Caddonfoot Church was built in 1861 “...in fulfilment of...Alexander Pringle of Whytbank”.

2. Continue to follow the track where it turns into a tarmac road and goes under a metal bridge. Bear left beyond this bridge and continue to Yair farmstead where you bear left again.

3. When you reach a Southern Upland Way sign follow this route down to Yair Bridge and cross the bridge heading towards Fairnilee Farm. Follow the signs for the Southern Upland Way for 1.5km uphill.

4. When you reach a finger post citing Gala Circuit, turn left, leaving the Southern Upland Way, and follow the waymarkers uphill through two fields. Take time to enjoy the panoramic view from Neidpath Hill. If visibility is poor you should follow the next set of instructions without venturing to the summit cairns.

5. From this point turn right along the dyke and head along the brow of the hill and then downhill, keeping the dyke on your right side. Continue to follow the dyke round from the corner and exit this field at the gate half way along the dyke.

6. Turn left and go through the next two fields then along a gorse path that goes gently downhill. Follow this path as it winds down along the Blakehope Burn. The path bends round to the right at the bottom of the hill to join the Green road.

7. Approximately 300m along this track take a left turn and follow the path through the gorse down to Caddonfoot.

8. Cross to the other side of the junction and follow this road over the bridge for almost 1km, there is a footpath on the left hand side for part of the way. Then take the left turn down to Peel over the Ashiestiel Bridge and return to the car park where you started.