Ellisheugh Hill

An extensive area of contour cultivation, measuring 320m from N to S by 170m, covers the generally steep E-facing slopes of Ellisheugh Hill overlooking the Bowmont Water. Only towards the base of the slope does the gradient lessen with the slope becoming moderately steep. Although following a predominantly N to S orientation the cultivation swings SW along the contour below the possible cairn (NT82SW 209). The upper limit of the cultivation is largely defined by a sharp change in gradient to a moderate slope, although there are heavily truncated traces of further cultivation ((NT82SW 210) and possibly (NT82SW 208)) between this cultivation and the wall crowning the break in slope.

The N end of the contour cultivation has been truncated by the small area of cross-contour rig (NT82SW 206). The lower, E limit, of the cultivation is defined by the valley floor. Towards the S the cultivation becomes less distinct but continues, somewhat patchily, to the boundary with a forestry plantation between NT 8105 2148 and NT 8125 2140. Vertical aerial photographs (RAF 106 G/Scot/UK/121 frames 4140-1 and 4258-9: 20 June 1946) indicate that the cultivation originally continued as far S as an unnamed burn on the E side of Kersmoor Head between NT 8091 2118 and NT 8100 2107.

The cultivation averages about 2.5m in width, although they narrow on the upper steeper slopes. The scarps between average about 0.2m in height.

Information from RJ Mercer (University of Edinburgh) 23 March 1987

RCAHMS MS 2598. No. 16/166