Hopetoun Monument, Haddington

This one is an all-time family favourite! Whenever the kids are off school and reluctant to hike, but the dogs could do with a decent off-the-lead run, this is where we head! It is a short, circular walk with BIG rewards of stunning 360 views and the added entertainment factor of a giant stone tower that you can climb right to the top of (if you have a head for heights!).

The monument has its own small, free car park which makes it super easy to visit- located just off the Camptoun road which runs between Haddingon and Drem. Follow signs for Chesters Hill Fort and you will find it just further along from that. From the car-park begin the walk by passing through the small kissing gate next to the information board. From here the path leads almost directly straight up the side of Byres Hill. It can be fairly steep in places but with sensible footwear, most fit and healthy people will manage with no bother.

Looking right from the path that takes you up from the car park (autumn leaves galore!)

We visit here often, and in all seasons, but my very favorite time of year to come is in Autumn when all of the leaves fall and form natural, deep crisp piles at either side of the path. I have wonderful memories from last year, my kids bounding up the slope to the right and launching themselves back down through a literal cascade of browns and oranges and reds then showering each other with armfuls of autumn debris. Somehow, this makes me feel that this is exactly how childhood should be spent (and that all activities of this sort should be followed with hot chocolate!). It is also beautiful here in summer, when the shade cast from the trees is welcome relief from a burning sun, but hundreds of wild foxgloves bloom amongst acres of lush green ferns and the lush smell of coconut carries on the breeze from the bright yellow gorse flowers that encroach on the path.

As you emerge from the woods near to the top, the path narrows and turns to rock, becoming an entry-level scramble up natural rocky steps for a short distance until you find yourself atop the wide grassy summit of Byres Hill, and right at the foot of the impressive monument itself. Gaze skyward and it really is an impressive sight to behold, even more so for how solid it appears despite being so narrow in diameter. Walk around the monument- there is a plaque to be read and the cast iron cage door into the tower should be unlocked. At certain times of the year this is padlocked closed, and some quick googling advises me that this is due to the nesting activity of the local birds who annually claim the tower for their own- a safe haven for their babies to hatch and find their wings- I can only imagine it is a ‘sink or swim’ type scenario once they pop off a window ledge and hope for the best! You will almost certainly find the tiny ‘lobby area’ and visible stone spiral staircase to be littered with sticks all year round from this great nesting event! If you do choose to climb to the top, mind your step and take a torch- it's awfy dark inside! I am lead to believe that one can see the whole of East Lothian spread before you from the top but I dare say I have never had it in me to get up there and find out (heights not being my forte!!!), however there is a chest high stone wall that runs around the viewing platform so I do believe it is very safe. The views are still wonderful from ground level however, as ever naturally drawing your gaze out to the sea. This is the perfect spot for peaceful picnic!

Looking back down the way you just came up…

To continue on the main circular walk, continue heading in the same direction to the opposite side of the summit clearing and follow the path as it undulates onwards and downwards into another wooded area. Last year, a terrific storm bought a large tree down across the path just here, it has never been moved, and you can go around or under but we can rarely pass without a quick climb on and along it to add a bit of fun into our day. After this, the path heads to the right and through gaps in the trees on your left you should be able to just about spot the trig point at the summit of Skid Hill, the largest of the Garleton Hills (another walk I will be writing up shortly!). You can actually hop the fence here and walk up therefrom here but beware- the field you cross often contains a large herd of inquisitive cows!

Looking out the back- the summit of Skid Hill would be seen over to the left, just out of shot

Looking out to the left as you follow the path around the back

We just continue to follow the path as it curls around the side of the hill, occasionally offering a small gap in the extensive vegitation and offering a new angle to view the tower. Soon the path takes a left turn, opens out and directs you straight down back through the woods you came up. Parts of this descent are very steep, although it isn’t high and the ground here is mostly bare earth, but it is possible to hang a right here, walk through the woods and in less than 50m you will find you have rejoined the path that you first walked up on, you can then head back to the carpark the same way.

If you do decide to brave the steeper route, you must remember to say hello to the friendly cows who stuck their noses out and over the gate on the left at the bottom of the hill, and turn right to follow the path back along the wall to the carpark with a new ‘spring in your step’ from all the fun that you have had exploring this absolute gem of a place!

Innerwick Castle, Innerwick

Pressmennan Wood (Part One- the short circuit)