Den Knowe Head, Pykestone Hill and Taberon Law Loop

This medium-grade loop explores the broad, heathery uplands above Drumelzier in the Scottish Borders, linking Den Knowe Head, Pykestone Hill and Taberon Law across a high, open sweep of moorland. Expect roughly 17 km / 10.6 miles with around 600 m / 1,970 ft of ascent, though similar mapped circuits in the area vary a little depending on the exact line taken. The terrain is mostly a mix of estate tracks, ATV traces, grassy ridges and pathless moor, with several boggy sections on the higher ground, especially around cols and flatter summit approaches. The start is best described as just off the B712 on the south side of Drumelzier, near the small parking area by Henry’s Brae, close to Main Street, Drumelzier, ML12 6JD. (sobt.co.uk)

The opening section is usually the most straightforward underfoot. A good track heads up beside Drumelzier Burn, giving a gentle introduction before the route begins to climb more decisively toward Den Knowes. This lower approach is useful for settling into the day, but it can also be deceptively easy: once the route leaves the valley floor, the hills become much more exposed and navigation grows more important. If cloud drops over the tops, the broad ridges and subtle summit plateaus can feel featureless, so having the route loaded in HiiKER is especially helpful here. (sobt.co.uk)

Climb to Den Knowe Head and Pykestone Hill

Above the burn, the route passes between plantations and climbs onto the open ridge. Around Den Knowe Head, multiple track forks can cause hesitation, and this is one of the places where careful line-finding matters most. The ascent to Pykestone Hill is not especially technical, but it is sustained, and the final approach crosses flatter, wetter ground where the path can fade. The summit itself is marked by a trig point beyond a fence, and despite being one of the higher points on the circuit, it is known for a broad, level top rather than a dramatic peak profile. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Views improve as height is gained, with the rolling Southern Uplands spreading out in long folds rather than sharp mountain architecture. On a clear day, the surrounding ridges give a strong sense of space, and later in the walk there are particularly good westward views toward the Culter Fell range and, farther off, Tinto. (sobt.co.uk)

High Moorland, Bogs and the Old Crossing Routes

From Pykestone Hill, the character of the walk becomes more committing. The ridge running onward is attractive and spacious, but the cols can be very wet. One especially boggy saddle is crossed by the line of the old Thief’s Road, an ancient route associated with Border raiding. That historical thread adds real depth to the landscape: these now-quiet uplands once formed part of a region shaped by movement, livestock theft, clan rivalry and cross-Border tension. Even where the old route is faint or lost in the peat, it is a reminder that these hills were once practical corridors as much as wild ground. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

This is classic Borders moorland: heather, rough grasses, peat, fence lines and long undulating ridges. Managed upland terrain is part of the visual character here, and walkers may notice shooting butts in the heather on the ascent. Wildlife commonly reported on this circuit includes sheep and red grouse, and the open ground can also support other upland birds depending on season and conditions. In late summer, the heather can add a strong wash of color; in colder months, frozen ground and wind exposure can make the same hills feel much more serious. (sobt.co.uk)

Middle Ground and the Turn Toward Taberon Law

As the route continues across the high ground, the walking alternates between easy grassy stretches and softer, wetter patches. If your version of the loop includes Taberon Law, expect a more remote-feeling extension beyond the better-known Pykestone and Drumelzier ridges. Taberon Law is lower than Pykestone Hill but sits in a quieter part of the uplands, and reaching it usually involves less distinct ground with a stronger need for confident navigation. In poor visibility, this section can feel much more serious than the distance alone suggests. The reward is a deeper sense of isolation and a wider appreciation of the