Scottish Hill Tracks. Southern Scotland

The Ridgeway of the Borders

Embark on a journey across the storied highland paths of Southern Scotland with Scottish Hill Tracks. Southern Scotland, the definitive 1975 guide by D.G. Moir. From the rolling sandstone hills of the Lammermuirs to the granite ridges overlooking the Solway Firth, Moir’s meticulous descriptions bring each route to life. Detailed maps chart every contour and stile, while vivid narrative notes highlight hidden brochs, ancestral cairns, and the ever-changing tapestry of heather and gorse. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of ancient drovers or seeking solitude beneath wind-bent birches, this guide equips you with exacting compass bearings, safe river-crossing advice, and insight into local weather patterns that can turn a gentle stroll into an epic adventure.

Valleys Veiled in Heather

Descend into glens where tumbling burns carve emerald corridors through craggy slopes. Moir’s intimate knowledge of the Southern Uplands reveals secluded bothies, shepherds’ markers, and prime vantage points for panoramic views of the Moffat Hills. Photographic plates—shot on location in golden dusk and misty dawn—capture waterfalls hidden behind fortified ruins, while contour profiles guide hillwalkers of all abilities. Seasonal appendices detail midges’ peak emergence, ideal wildflower blooms, and best foraging spots for bilberries and wild garlic. With safety checklists and gear-recommendations calibrated to mid-1970s Scottish expeditions, this volume is both a practical tool and an evocative travel companion.

Peaks Painted by Time

Scale summits that have inspired poets and painters alike, from the wind-scarred slopes of Hart Fell to the gothic silhouette of White Coomb. Each ascent is accompanied by step-by-step route instructions, gradient warnings, and estimated walking times. Moir interweaves historical vignettes—tales of Jacobite muster points and sheepherders’ summer fairs—with geological explanations that illuminate the region’s volcanic origins and the sculpting power of Pleistocene glaciers. Designed for map-reading novices and seasoned mountaineers, the guide encourages self-reliance while fostering respect for the remoteness and seasonal volatility of Scotland’s southern ranges.

. D.G. Moir was a distinguished cartographer and hill-walking pioneer whose passion for Southern Scotland’s wild landscapes produced a series of landmark guidebooks, blending rigorous fieldwork with a deep reverence for the hills that shape Scotland’s soul.