Windy Gyle

Windy Gyle is a grassy, rounded hill in the Cheviot Hills that marks the border between England and Scotland. It stands as the highest summit on that line, though the actual border climbs higher a little further west. The summit cairn, called Russell’s Cairn, shelters a small hollow for about fifteen people. The Pennine Way crosses the top, giving walkers a clear route up. Two other paths lead up from the Coquet valley in the south and Cocklawfoot in the north. The hill is recognised as the most easterly mountain in Scotland when measured by the standard 30-metre prominence rule. Its summit cairn sits exactly on the border, though the fence marking the line stops short here. From the top, the view stretches north over the Scottish Borders, the Eildon Hills and even Edinburgh on a clear day. Looking south, the eye follows the rolling Cheviot foothills towards the North Pennines. Climbing Windy Gyle offers a quiet walk across open grassland with few crowds. The summit’s small shelter makes a good spot to rest before turning back. Walkers who reach the top find wide horizons and a clear sense of standing on the edge of two nations. The round shape of the hill and its gentle slopes suit all levels of hill walker.