Scotland
Bowbeat Hill
626M
2054FT
About Bowbeat Hill
Rising from the rolling peat hags of the Moorfoots, this broad, heather-clad Donald is defined by its prominent wind farm. It offers a straightforward ascent via service roads from Gladhouse Reservoir, providing expansive views across the Lothians toward the Firth of Forth and the distinctive volcanic profile of Arthur’s Seat.
Key Statistics
Rank
78th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
78m
Nearest Town
Midlothian
Geology
The ground here belongs to the Shinnel Formation, which consists of a muddy type of sandstone. This rock forms the solid foundation of your hike across Bowbeat Hill.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT292469
Latitude
55.7104°N
Longitude
3.1271°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Scots 'bow', referring to a cattle fold or farm, and 'beat', a term used for a path or a designated area of land.
- •One of the earliest major projects in the region, the 24 turbines of the Bowbeat Wind Farm have been a landmark of the Moorfoot skyline since they were commissioned in 2003.
- •The hill is most frequently climbed as part of a horseshoe route starting at Gladhouse Reservoir, often taking in the neighbouring summits of Dundreich and Emly Bank.
- •The summit offers a clear sightline over the Esk Valley, with the Lammermuir Hills visible to the east and the Pentlands framing the western horizon.
- •While the service roads provide a reliable route through the notorious Moorfoot peat bogs, the experience of being overtaken by a maintenance technician in a transit van does somewhat diminish the sense of wilderness.