Bessie's Hill

About Walk Activities Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests

Where we are

Starting Monday 26 January, tree felling operations will be carried out Monday to Friday in Castle O'er Forest. This will affect public access along forest roads in and adjacent to the tree felling sites. Please follow all site signage and the operator's instructions. We aim to open by the end of November 2026. A map of felling sites is displayed at Bessie's Hill car park.
Expect timber haulage and loading operations. Please do not pass timber lorries loading timber. Wait for the operator to see you and clearly signal for you to pass.

About

An Iron Age landscape with views over the River Esk

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.

The two distinct structures here haven't been excavated so we don't really know what they were used for. It’s possible one was a fort or lookout point, with the other being a place to live.

Walking trails

Bessie's Hill route card (PDF)

Walking

Iron Age Trail

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.

1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow 1 hour

More information

In the past visitors to the valley would have seen an imposing site of the hillfort 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, as the steep slope of the hill was protection enough on the fourth.

Activities

Eskdale Prehistoric Trail

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.

Facilities and access

Ancient monument

Viewpoint

Walking

Parking

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.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park.

More about parking

Getting here

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'.