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Name:Black Hill
Hill number:1826
Height:314m / 1030ft
RHB Section:28A: Firth of Forth to the River Tweed
County/UA:Scottish Borders
Catchment:Tweed
Class:Marilyn, Hump, Tump (300-399m), Yeaman
(Ma,Hu,Tu,3,Y)
Grid ref:NT 58549 37011
Summit feature:trig point
Drop:171m
Col:143m  NT611413  
OS map sheet(s):(1:50k) 73 74
(1:25k) 338 339W
Survey:obvious summit
GPS data:show GPS entries for this hill

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N.B. Some hill summits are on private property or on land where there is no public right of way.  Permission should be sought from the landowner where access to a hill summit is through private land(*).
*For information about access rights in Scotland see the ScotWays website.
Please report via the contact page any logs you see below which describe or encourage acts of trespass.  Please quote the hill number and hill name.

Logged Descriptions  (logged by 275 users)ByDate of Ascent
Parked in an area that others had parked, minor road south of Earlston . Lots of bright signs asked walkeers to,use the waymarked path , and NOT to walk theough Cowdenknowe Mains. , easily opened gates, muddy, turn right up an old through way bi opted to continue to follow way marked route , and so to then amble of easier eastern slopes. Windy and wet on summit.VerySlowPlodder04/02/2024
alasdaircairns06/12/2023
When you get to the foot of the hill gogo left, easy way up, ignore track on 25 and 50 map as it is overgrown with gorse. With John and Pamtallblond15/10/2023
From parking next to gate to North. Grey.davechaffey28/09/2023
See https://scotlandhills.net/the-eildon-hills-and-black-hill/hill walker08/09/2023
followed way-marked pathBLACKHILL07/09/2023
Along the signed path from Cowdenknowes, then up strips of grass between scree and gorse up the NW flank. Highly enjoyable and a superb viewpoint. A contour-flying jet passed below me while I was taking in the summit view.Nick Down124/08/2023
Usual approach along the signed path from Cowdenknowes. We took the steep direct approach not realising there was a gentler path down the E flank. Then on to White Hill.milimana06/08/2023
Nice steep ascent from parking at the start of the path to the west.Alan Caine10/07/2023
Quick up and down on the way North from parking at Cowdenknowes, along way marked path then straight up to the trig point. Great views towards the 3 Eildon hills and memories of SCW a few years ago. With Gillian.richard6914/04/2023
Graham Banks08/03/2023
Black & White hills from Cowdenknowes lay-by. Appropriately, the sky faded to grey when we set out.summitter06/02/2023
jgregor29/01/2023
From the West at Cowdenknowes, excellent path. Great views.colazione01/01/2023
gettingonabit04/11/2022
David S09/10/2022
New path from Cowdenknowes with Lesley. Followed track around sputh side of hill, descended main track. Sushi on summit, back to car before rain arrived.Nick Canute28/09/2022
Matt16/09/2022
On waymarked path from road by entrance to Cowdenknowes Mains then steeply up on animal tracks.Winterfloodian12/05/2022
Pommyjon09/04/2022
From the bus stop in Earlston. Along the road to layby, then along signposted path to the base of the hill. Steeply up to the top. Gentler path headed west then around the foot of the hill and back to Earlston.the pigguy 26/03/2022
Graham Banks26/03/2022
Graham Banks23/03/2022
ThickIce28/01/2022
ketzster19/01/2022
Crawford Lindsay15/01/2022
wintergreen15/01/2022
Dave McG08/11/2021
Ben Rinnes20/08/2021
BasherBob20/08/2021
3 of 5: After Meigle Hill we drove to Cowdenknowes Mains. Waymarked path to the base of the hill and then straight up on sheep tracks. Easy route north back down to the waymarked path. With Karen.ChrisR15/06/2021
Graham Banks11/04/2021
Graham Banks27/03/2021
brucebob28/11/2020
langskill11/10/2020
Normal route up from using the path signposted from the road, next to the farm. Ground very wet after heavy rain the day before. Around an hour walking time up and back.Roblex26/08/2020
Graham Banks07/02/2020
Parking for 2-3 cars at NT 5797 3723. Waymarked path to NT 5826 3726, whence steeply up.jonglew14/01/2020
beckybags02/12/2019
A Peckish02/12/2019
I parked beside the B6356 road near the start of the road/track and parallel path to Cowdenknowes Mains. Along the path and then a lane towards Black Hill. The OS 1:25,000 map shows a footpath going up the steepish NW slopes of Black Hill. I followed a narrow path to the summit that more or less followed the line shown on the map. There are quite a few other narrow paths or animal tracks. It was a bright sunny day, dry but cold, with extensive views from the summit. I found a broad grassy path/track going down the easy gradients to the NE, not shown on the OS map, so followed it. I took a left fork to join the path/track from Whitefield and so back to the vicinity of Cowdenknowes. NB this track from Whitefield does not go through the forest. The track going through the forest, which is shown on the OS map, is now choked with vegetation. I later found in a booklet of walks round Earlston that taking the right fork also provides an easy route to Cowdenknowes round the SE side of the hillpwbellarby18/11/2019
pnecelt03/10/2019
islayholmes03/10/2019
needanewdog28/08/2019
Route as per DanTrig - decent views from top.willyross18/08/2019
lindaross18/08/2019
JFT_9617/08/2019
JGC21/07/2019
Quick bag from road, parked just south of entrance to Cowdenknowes Mains and followed waymarked trail parallel to farm track and climbed onto the hill, straight up the steep slopes of grass/stones to trig, great views from the top. Clear and sunny, afterwards drove around to Melrose and bagged the three Eildon Hills.DanTrig22/06/2019
alanm21/06/2019
Via the designated path from NT57963723.summitsup13/05/2019
Quick 1 hour climb from road. Great hill with great views.KevPalmer03/05/2019
Graham Banks17/04/2019
Graham Banks27/03/2019
stalky1426/02/2019
sarah mundell17/02/2019
Smailholm village to Smailholm Tower, on track to Westfield, Boghouse, Marchfield Plantation, Brotherstone Moor and Black Hill. Descend to the south beside the Leader Water to Earlston.palmersathome10/02/2019
From Cowdenknowes as described elsewhere. Expansive views.Clach Liath10/02/2019
White, Black, Redpath and Brotherstone hills from Earlston via paths and fields on a lovely sunny cold Winter's day. Easy across from White hill. You can see the obvious route.Thearlaichdubh10/12/2018
dave g06/11/2018
fionnag06/11/2018
From near Fountainheads parked in small lay by opposite entrance to Cowdenknowes (The Stables) - Footpath signed to black hill - ascended the steep- side to reach summit and trig good views all around (rain showers come and go) - descended gentler slope then circled back through the woods. Pleasant area so we extended our walk along the Jubilee path (2012) following Leader water as far as Redpath then returned along the lane.briandavies07/10/2018
Fi29/09/2018
scoob29/09/2018
Gallovidian02/09/2018
Followed standard path then tried to take OS mirage path to summit - ended up just a very steep grassy pull.. Returned by very pleasant green path down north east ridge leading all the way back to car.SS11/06/2018
From Swan pub in Earlston. Down Station Rd to derestrict sign, steps down to footpath network and a nice but longer walk to where most folk park their cars. Thereafter as others describe it. Hot, sunny and good views. Shallowest ascent from SE slope.iangalbraith28/05/2018
Good parking by gate for 3-4 cars (nt57933725)Good paths to hillside then went straight up grassy hillside.G0HIO16/05/2018
Solo jog up and down the signposted route.amswanston13/05/2018
georgeh6017/04/2018
Usual route up on the permissive path and then freestyle up the NW slope. Lots of whinnying going on at the farm, loads of freshly minted lambs. Came off too westerly, but no problem, crossed a field with a couple of uninterested horses and came to a gate onto the road about 200m south of the parking. Charming hill, shame about the grotty weather : strong northerly, misty, sleety.Owen B31/03/2018
The Fife Flyer13/03/2018
duchally20/02/2018
A splendid hill. From the lay by below Cowdenknowes Mains. Muddy footpath and track to start, then direttissima up the north side of the hill, zigzagging around gorse and scree on easy steep grass. Fine views of the Eildon Hills from the top. Down towards the larch plantation on the W side is a bit less steep.Gill08/02/2018
Route as N.Morters.Chris Peart29/10/2017
nigheandonn28/10/2017
Pete R16/09/2017
Gebirgsjaeger03/09/2017
vuirich19/08/2017
JulieB08/07/2017
3/3 Marilyn for today. From Cowdenknowes Mains. Small Layby at signpost waymarker along track. Works round the east side before final rise to summit. Farmer was moving sheep down the narrow track, I let the masses pass before going up.N.Morters24/06/2017
Bus Galshiels to Earlston then walk along road to permissive path. A very good wee hilltrimarc206/06/2017
Footpath to summit from roadside. Lovely 360 degree views. Solo.Dangerous Dave31/03/2017
mntainman25/01/2017
walk livi21/01/2017
PaulineD21/01/2017
From roadside parking following permissive path.rhalstead31/12/2016
PeteN12/10/2016
Just follow the signposts from the road. Short, steep and grassy.Play2End25/09/2016
Parked on grass verge 579372. Walkers are discouraged from farm track, but farmer has kindly put in permissive path. Third Elidon comes into sight on summit. About an hour there and back. With Julie.David Evans24/09/2016
Berkscire87407/09/2016
Kompass05/06/2016
Met a guy from Pickering at the road lay-by. Chatted he ascended in 19 mins from road. For a small peak enjoyed the views, via/aqua duct and Eildons. Company: Soloiandesbottes17/05/2016
From parking place on B6356 at NT 5797 3723. Clear well maintained path to intake at 5825 3725 then a steady climb on grazing land to the trig. Met and chatted to iandesbottes when returned to car park. Ian told me he had visited Minch Moor earlier in the day so I went there later! Glad we met up, albeit briefly!G4OBK (Phil)17/05/2016
govanah26/03/2016
ARM29/12/2015
Parked on the roadside at 579372. Took just under the hour with GB. Very pleasant hill with great views.bolton11/12/2015
Small parking area on B6356 at NT57970 37233 -NE along signposted permissive path & then turned right up track to foot of hill - Steep climb to summit. (PM)gerrybowes11/12/2015
Self, Peter and dogInvicta1423/10/2015
carole engel16/10/2015
tomandivy16/10/2015
Isbjorn14/10/2015
parlick08/10/2015
Up track from nw and then grassy hillside. Gorgeous viewsvegibagger03/10/2015
irobbo31/08/2015
tallscottishguy27/08/2015
Wanted to do this hill for the last 55 years. Did not disappoint. Parked in Earlston and walked along to the farm then followed the signposts. After the trig, carried on and completed the Earlston circuit.BigJ16/08/2015
aul-fogie13/08/2015
benarmine03/08/2015
Parked in the lay-by by Cowdenknowes Mains and followed the path to the foot of the hill. There were traces of a path up the steep slopes but the heavy rain compromised the enjoyment of this wee gem of a hill.Sprog27/05/2015
NormanW08/04/2015
Could not find any evidence of the path marked on the 1:25,000 map. Short wet grass and loose moss made for an 'entertaining' descent!tim74718/03/2015
from NT579 372 through fields to the top, nice views.robertphillips18/01/2015
With Lorraine. Circular route via Georgefield, Whitefield and Cowdenknowes Mains.raffemeister23/12/2014
MCMartin6610/12/2014
Route as Dugswell 2. Nice easy hill - 50 minutes up and down.Crib Goch01/11/2014
jaizinho21/09/2014
Like most, we parked in the little slot on the B6356, went by Cowdenknowes Mains and round onto the summit ridge. Hazy but fine view to Melrose and the Eildon Hillspwheeler17/09/2014
Easily up from B6356AndrewFinnimore03/09/2014
Bruckner728/08/2014
PGCE21/07/2014
Neil Midgley15/06/2014
JohnW09/06/2014
grumpy18/04/2014
DaveMcS22/03/2014
AloneSpudGunn16/02/2014
hils14/02/2014
Clova25/01/2014
ArdrossanWintonRover07/12/2013
Sherlock11/11/2013
Mr Apples21/10/2013
ger10/05/2013
richtea504002/02/2013
Tony Rogers01/02/2013
Dee Rogers01/02/2013
Johnny Corbett30/12/2012
Mudskipper13/09/2012
iainwalton02/09/2012
IainT02/08/2012
GmacT04/07/2012
elizyanne04/07/2012
Lionel Bidwell17/06/2012
Susan Bidwell17/06/2012
foggieclimber12/03/2012
beinn12/03/2012
Wycombe Wanderer22/02/2012
Thorny30/12/2011
2nd hill of day after 600th. Parked on B road and walked to Cowdenknowes mains farm on permissive path, right at farm to hill foot and steeply to top. Good linenordicstar10/12/2011
with Rick Salter and partyTopographer5710/12/2011
jenx10/12/2011
Colin Crawford07/12/2011
nicolajane17/11/2011
amcvey09/10/2011
chrispine20/09/2011
Parked at 580372 (13:50) and walked NE along signed footpath beside field and then path SE from farm to open country and steeply to top. Very pleasant hill, lovely day.dbb15/09/2011
MuckleG05/07/2011
russell6114/06/2011
benalder28401/05/2011
thelonious21/03/2011
Janet M13/02/2011
cmac03/01/2011
softsquare01/01/2011
peterstanding30/12/2010
Crumblie230/12/2010
Alan Whatley28/09/2010
callumblack11/09/2010
hillhunter28/07/2010
GaryJones01/07/2010
AndyS02/04/2010
Parking at NT57998 37200 with access to hill via own new footpath around horse paddocks then follow beech hedge to get to base of steep climb on this lovely hill on bright + breezy late afternoon.Dugswell227/03/2010
neimcv11/03/2010
Revisit. Fine steep hill, lovely summit and view. Quick bag at first light before joining a friend for a canter round Broughton Heights. Waymarked path from 578373, NE then SERHW15/11/2009
Sunhat08/11/2009
LizH17/10/2009
PeterAH17/10/2009
bedfordtom03/10/2009
Tom Mundell06/09/2009
hillsman22/08/2009
Approached directly from NW, then back down via Cowdenknowes Mains, where two small dogs made a harmless nuisance of themselves.agentmancuso09/04/2009
chriswatson15/03/2009
From W skirting wood. Then horrible steep ascent through gorse and scree.Aye Jimmy25/02/2009
silverhow17/01/2009
Tricky05/11/2008
mae25/10/2008
Martin R24/08/2008
KRae09/04/2008
Tony S07/03/2008
neilsan03/02/2008
MIKE NICHOLLS25/10/2007
ianwatson26/09/2007
Emma and Simon01/09/2007
ARC28/07/2007
daviemore09/07/2007
jimbloomer16/05/2007
Calico08/03/2007
Galltywenallt31/12/2006
Martyn108/12/2006
Andrew Simmons06/12/2006
ajwxyzt25/11/2006
fortyniner11/11/2006
Solo hill run HFB03/11/2006
GordonAdshead00/10/2006
alda26/09/2006
Alison R26/09/2006
Parked car on B6356 almost at the junction of the private road at Cowdenknowes, where there was a little verge. Followed obvious lane leading to foot of hill. Nice views from top.Jhimmy17/09/2006
Rob Pen y Garn12/09/2006
BaggerGutt29/08/2006
interloper29/08/2006
Excellent Hill. Parked at NT598382 and followed the obvious path all the way to the topM0ZZO14/08/2006
http://tomread.co.ukm1eyp14/08/2006
Sandman08/07/2006
Jim.Fothergill09/06/2006
great views of the EildonsSJ11/05/2006
RichardM27/04/2006
Campbell Singer21/04/2006
Adrian15/03/2006
Halfdecent22/08/2005
mcollins12/06/2005
johnbarnard2529/01/2005
Lindsay M28/12/2004
petesimpson13/11/2004
Jon F30/10/2004
iaindbrown27/08/2004
David Purchase27/04/2004
danpquinn13/01/2004
RobertP20/12/2003
Fletch04/10/2003
KeithByTheC22/06/2003
Parked on the B6356 and walked up past the settlement of Cowdenknowes Mains. Taking the track out to the SE from there brought us to open countryside. A steep climb then followed to reach the fort at the top of the hill.garyhoney14/06/2003
chrisbien11/05/2003
David Rawden30/04/2003
maknipe27/04/2003
Jim T03/01/2003
fasgadh29/11/2002
lordtonult25/05/2002
Up from track with skylarks singing.Eddie16/04/2002
3 kinnears12/04/2002
bjewing11/04/2002
Kiltie26/11/2001
Colin Crawford08/10/2001
alda06/10/2001
Laurel16/01/2001
Rowan16/01/2001
From Cowdenknowes. With Slim Jim and S.The Captain19/11/2000
bertbarnett12303/11/2000
Smudge01/10/2000
At end of muddy bridal path 625' up a steep hillside to top at 14.50.arranc01/09/2000
chalky195313/08/2000
Date is first visit. Notes from later...lovely summit & view, no access problems encountered. (1) gate on B6356 @ 579372, cross paddock to far gate, then open slope (2) waymarked trail to start of track RHW10/09/1999
Ran up and down in shorts and bare top -sweaty . On way to Edinburgh Airport for flight to Ecuador (via Amsterdam). Worried about being late -unnecessarily.Chris Pearson24/07/1999
ChrisU10/05/1999
PM13/06/1998
john steel10/11/1996
Minto22/06/1996
Sherlock30/09/1995
With Mum. Then again w P&N&Mum. With Celeste on 2005-07-08 in lovely weather. Rounsfell06/06/1995
Mark Hodgson28/05/1995
superstar_tradesman01/09/1986
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curlebd01/01/1970
kanderson01/01/1970
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