Loch Eddy, Deuchar Law and Blake Muir Loop

This medium-grade loop explores the open Borders hills south of Innerleithen, linking a quiet loch, broad moorland ridges, and two rounded summits with long views over the Tweed Valley. At around 13 km / 8 miles with roughly 400 m / 1,300 ft of ascent, it is a solid half-day outing for hikers who are comfortable with hill paths, changing ground conditions, and a few less-obvious route choices away from the main track. The most practical start is near Kirkhouse of Traquair / Traquair Church on the B709, south of Innerleithen, where the Southern Upland Way descends to the road. Walkhighlands describes the Southern Upland Way here as dropping to the minor road at Kirkhouse, close to Traquair Church, and notes that nearby Innerleithen is the main service hub for the area. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From the outset, expect a mix of good established trail and rougher upland terrain. The Southern Upland Way gives the outing its easiest walking, with clear trods and steady gradients on the main line of ascent and return, while the diversions toward Loch Eddy and Deuchar Law can be wetter, tussockier, and less distinct underfoot. Reports from this hill group consistently mention rough vegetation and boggier patches once you leave the principal path, so waterproof footwear and confident map-reading are sensible even in drier weather. HiiKER is the best tool to check the line of the loop and any junctions before setting out. (scotlandhills.net)

Route character and what to expect

The climb builds gradually rather than brutally. Starting from the B709 near Kirkhouse, the route typically picks up the Southern Upland Way and gains height over pasture margins and open hillside before reaching the broader moorland shoulder around Blake Muir. This section is often the most straightforward, with a clear long-distance trail and increasingly wide views back toward Innerleithen and the surrounding Tweed hills. Walkhighlands notes that from Blake Muir there are excellent views with Innerleithen standing out below Lee Pen, which gives a good sense of how open and expansive this part of the walk feels on a clear day. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Loch Eddy adds a quieter, more secluded feel to the outing. Rather than a dramatic mountain tarn, it is better thought of as a small upland loch set among moor and forestry edges, giving the route a change of mood from broad skyline walking to a more intimate, still-water landscape. The ground around this area can be soft, especially after rain, and paths may be faint in places. If visibility is poor, this is one of the sections where careful attention to bearings and junctions matters most. (geograph.org.uk)

Blake Muir itself is a rounded hill rather than a sharply defined summit, so hikers should not expect a dramatic peak. The reward is in the panorama: rolling Borders country, the line of the Southern Upland Way, and a strong sense of space. Deuchar Law is similar in character but often feels wilder because the approach can involve rougher vegetation and less comfortable footing. One hill report for the area specifically describes the terrain on Deuchar Law as rough and tussocky, which is useful preparation if you are expecting a fully engineered trail throughout. (scotlandhills.net)

Landmarks, landscape, and wildlife

One of the most significant landmarks on this walk is the Southern Upland Way, Scotland’s original coast-to-coast long-distance route, which crosses these hills on its way between St Mary’s Loch, Traquair, and Melrose. That gives the loop a strong sense of place within a much bigger walking landscape. The route around Kirkhouse and Traquair also passes close to Traquair Church, described by Walkhighlands as an attractive white-walled church built in 1778, adding a distinct historical note right near the start or finish. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The surrounding region is rich in Borders history. Traquair lies just south of Innerleithen and is closely associated with old drove routes, estate history, and the long-settled Tweed Valley. Innerleithen itself remained a small hamlet until the late 19th century before later development,