Kips Summits

The Start

From Eastside farmyard head out past the kennels, past the sheep shed & over the ford heading up the track on the right-of-way towards Balerno. Don't forget to stop and look behind you as you progress up the hill. The views down the valley behind can be worth taking a picture.

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From the Woodshed turn right at the old stone wall, head up the hill over the gate then diagonally up across the field to the gate out onto the open hill. Follow the hill track up then take the first right past an old right of way sign to Nine Mile Burn. Keep on past the sign round the side of the (Cap Law) hill and over a couple of styles into and out of woodland. At the end of this grass hill path you get to the main track leading up from Eastside. Cross the track and head straight up the West Kip.

Once you reach the top of the track or 'Poles', take the path to the right. This heads straight up the 'West Kip'. The path is steep in places and it gets slightly rocky towards the top but no scrambling is required.

The West Kip Summit

The path narrows as the West Kip summit is fairly sharp. Look down to the north over the Hare Hill - a raised blanket bog home to red & black grouse. In the distance is the Firth of Forth & The Highlands. To the south is the Eastside valley & Moorfoot hills beyond.

The East Kip Summit

Following the path you come down onto the saddle before a short climb onto the East Kip summit. From here you get a better view of the Logan Lea Reservoir & Green Cleugh glen. The glen is famed for its rock formations as well as its flora and waterfall. This is an adventure for another day however. See Heather Moors, Waterfalls & Peregrines.

The Descent

Head down the East Kip path to the 'Nick' (the col between East Kip and Scald Law). Here there is a grassy crossroads. Turn right & follow the grass track down from the 'Nick' back to the cottages. Pass through a gate and follow your nose - you'll be back at Eastside in no time.

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To return to the Woodshed either go right at the farm to wander down the Eastside track and up to Westside or go left, skirting past the sheep shed and cross the fields from the first gate on your left.