West Linton Golf Course - Black Law - Garvald - West Linton

Tom and Joyce Kay

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West Linton Golf Course - Black Law - Covenanter's Grave - Garvald - West Linton

A Covenanter's Tale

This walk merits its Moderate rating largely because of the moorland stretches. The moor will require regular changes in direction to avoid wet conditions underfoot and the Rights of Way posts are often difficult to identify and may be blown down. In snow conditions, care should be taken to avoid stepping into the drainage ditches which cross the moor. The ever-changing terrain and views are constantly interesting and a little knowledge of the area's Covenanting period history would make the walk more enjoyable. Good walking-gear is required, a compass often useful.

A few of the survivors of the Battle of Rullion Green escaped to the west, from where many had come to the first real Covenanting force in 1666. The grave marks the resting place of one, reputed to be John Carphin from Ayrshire and buried, 'In sight of Ayrshire', by a sympathetic farmer Adam Sanderson of Blackhill, the ruins of which are passed close by on the route. Unfortunately the original headstone in Dunsyre Kirk says 'unknown' but the story is good.

Scotland - Central Scotland - Midlothian - Pentland Hills

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Great Views, Moor, Mostly Flat

22/04/2021 - Tom and Joyce Kay

All Right of Way posts present with yellow caps, although there has been some slight relocation of them improving visibility.

24/05/2018 - Tom and Joyce Kay

We returned to this walk after several years on a day of sun, blue sky and after a long dry spell although we walked in the opposite direction. The moorland bogs had dried out and it was tempting to explore further to the west. All moorland marker posts are in place although the post at waymark 9 is in poor order. However, the first of the moor posts is visible. Even the waste bin at waymark 16 was in place!

12/08/2014 - David Stocking

Helpful to follow Row markerposts across the moor