Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs Windy Gyle from Cocklawfoot on the Scottish side of the Border. It covers 9.2 km and gains 432 m, following old grassy tracks to the Border ridge and the 619 m summit at Russell's Cairn. It returns by the same line and does not continue west towards Mozie Law or east towards The Cheviot.
Park before the ford at Cocklawfoot, cross the footbridge and pass through the gate by the farm buildings. The route climbs on Clennell Street, an old drove road, contouring below the outlying hillfort and around White Knowe. Continue on the main grassy track as it rises towards the Border fence. Go through the gate, turn right and follow the Pennine Way east beside the fence. Flagstones carry the path over the wettest peat. Cross at the signed stile for Russell's Cairn and the trig point, then return to Cocklawfoot by reversing the Pennine Way and Clennell Street.
There are no facilities or public transport at the start, and the final road into the Bowmont valley is long and narrow. On the hill, the grassy tracks are clear in good weather but the Border ridge is exposed and can disappear quickly in cloud. Keep the summit as your turning point: continuing towards The Cheviot would add a much longer, more serious section. Carry a map and compass, bring enough food and water, and expect wet or boggy ground away from the pitched Pennine Way.
Russell's Cairn sits right on the Border, with the rounded Cheviot hills running away in both directions.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Park in the grassy area before the ford at the end of the narrow Bowmont Water road. Leave room for farm traffic and do not obstruct the bridge.
Cross the footbridge beside the ford, turn right and pass through the waymarked gate near the first barn.
Follow the broad grassy drove road uphill. Keep to the main track as it contours below the outlying hillfort.
Continue around White Knowe rather than climbing its top. The track remains well graded but can be soft after rain.
Pass through the gate and stay on the clear rising line towards the Border ridge. The ground becomes steeper from here.
Go through the gate in the Border fence and turn right, east, onto the Pennine Way. Do not turn west towards Mozie Law.
Follow the fence and flagstones, then cross at the signed stile for the large ancient cairn and trig point on Windy Gyle.
Turn around at the summit and retrace the Pennine Way and Clennell Street to the footbridge and parking area.
Essential Tips
The GPX ends at Windy Gyle. The Cheviot is a substantial extra journey along a remote ridge and is not part of this guide.
Cocklawfoot is reached by a long, narrow road with limited passing space. Drive slowly and keep all farm access clear.
At the Border gate, turn east beside the fence for Windy Gyle. In mist, check your compass before committing to the ridge.
The Pennine Way has slabs over many wet sections, but the approach can still be boggy. Waterproof boots and a windproof layer are useful year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park for Windy Gyle from Cocklawfoot?
Park in the grassy area before the ford at the end of the Bowmont Water road. Leave room for farm traffic and don't block the bridge.
How long does the Windy Gyle walk take?
About 2 hours 28 minutes for the 9.2 km round trip, with 375 m of ascent. That's based on Naismith's Rule, so adjust for your own pace and conditions.
Is the path to Windy Gyle boggy?
Yes, expect wet and boggy ground, especially off the Pennine Way section. The Pennine Way itself has flagstones over the worst peat, but waterproof boots are recommended year-round.