Friday, 06 Dec 2024
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Over two thousand years ago, the powerful Selgovae tribe ruled Eskdale. Their major base was at Castle O’er; Bessie’s Hill was probably an outpost from where they could keep watch on the comings and goings in the valley.
Nobody has ever excavated the remains of the two distinct structures here, so we don’t know exactly what they were used for. It’s possible one was a fort or lookout point, with the other being a place to live.
Bessie's Hill route card (PDF)
Climb through the magnificent Norway spruce trees to emerge in an Iron Age landscape. Great views over the River Esk.
Grass and earth paths, with some rough and potentially muddy sections. Some steep slopes and one short flight of steps. There are no waymarkers on the monuments to protect them.
Allow 1 hour
Once, anyone coming along the valley would have seen the imposing site of the hillfort standing prominently above Eskdale valley. A little further on are the remains of another fortified site where most of the tribe would have lived.
The trail visits both structures on the hill. The lower one only has ramparts on three sides: the steep slope of the hill was protection enough on the fourth.
Link up Bessie's Hill with other prehistoric sites in the area by following the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail by car or bike. You can find out more about the Trail at Langholm Walks.
The closest toilets and café facilities are at the Old School Hub and café at Eskdalemuir and are within 4 miles of Bessie's Hill.
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Bessie’s Hill is less than 2 miles south of Eskdalemuir. It travelling from the north on the B709, follow the turning signposted as 'Langholm, Lockerbie, (unsuitable for HGVs)' at Eskdalemuir village. If coming from the south, the same turning is signposted for 'Bailiehill'.
DG13 0PL is the nearest postcode.
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