Southern Scotland
NS894037 From the war memorial head north-east up the lane to the right of the church. Go through a gate with a sign indicating ‘Well Path’ and continue up the track. After 50m go through a gate in the drystone wall with a signpost indicating ‘Black Hill’. Head down to cross a footbridge over the small burn, beyond which an ATV track heads north up the grassy ridge leading to Black Hill. The path levels, descends through a gate then continues uphill, passing through a gateway before winding its way steeply up the ridge to the summit trig point of Black Hill (531m).
NS894058 From the summit head initially north-east then bear east along a grassy ATV track, soon descending steeply to a bealach with a fence crossing its north side. The shapely summit immediately south is Penbane, which you’re welcome to run up and down should you wish. Otherwise cross Glenbo Hass and head north-east up the ridge, soon picking up the path running alongside the fence that skirts the summit of Turn Hill. The fence, now atop an old drystone wall, turns east across Stonycleuch Rig then climbs again bearing north-east to the summit of Well Hill (606m). Go through a gate, turn right and descend very steeply alongside the fencetopped wall. Go through a gate to join the Well Path and turn right through another gate with a hut on your left. NS916059 If you want to return to Durisdeer at this point continue downhill (south-west) through the glen for 3km on the splendid Well Path Roman road. Look out for the earthworks of a small Roman fort on the way. Otherwise, head steeply uphill (south) on an ATV track that effectively follows the course of a fence-topped wall (stay with this). Durisdeer Hill is gained at 569m before a short down and longer up brings you to the summit of Little Scaw’d Law (594m). Another uphill pull leads to the top of Scaw’d Law (663m). Descend a little to a T-junction with the wall and a fence, turn right and follow the fence down to join a broad hill track. Turn left and follow the track (ignore a track turning right) for about 650m then turn right by a hut to follow a rough path down along the Glenleith Burn. This is rough and tricky in places, but it’s a bonny burn and better than following the hill track. After 1.6km cross over a hill track and continue by the burn for 400m before turning right onto a hill track.
NS916012 Turn left at a T-junction and continue, soon reaching an estate bothy (locked) and sheep fanks [gathering pens]. Ignore the left turn and continue north-west through a gate to reach Kettleton Byre MBA bothy after another 500m – it’s a pleasant stopping place. On taking your leave continue along the track, down through the glen at length then across a burn where the descent levels. Continue along the wall-lined track between fields until you reach a T-junction with a minor road by a burial ground. Turn right and continue a short way uphill into Durisdeer.