Hopetoun Monument

Plonked on top of Byres Hill near the town of Haddington in East Lothian, is a 29m high sandstone tower called the Hopetoun Monument.

It's a striking monument that dominates the views of the surrounding area, so is very easy to find. From the car park at the foot of the hill just follow the wooded slopes, through the gorse onto the hilltop.

Once up on the hill, one of us was delighted to find that the door was open and 132 steps later I was at the viewing platform. There are only a few window openings so the walk up is quite dark, so bring a torch with you.

Fabulous views from the top over the surrounding countryside and on a clear day you can see as far as Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. There is Arthur's Seat looming in the distance.

Looking over the surrounding hills. Spied a trig point in the distance too on Skid Hill! Also nearby was the wonderfully named Jinging Hill.

To the north is Berwick Law and Bass Rock.

It was constructed between 1824 and 1827 in memory of John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun, who served as Governor-General of India and as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

There is an inscription on the monument which reads:

"This monument was erected to the memory of the Great and Good John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun by his affectionate and grateful tenantry in East Lothian. MDCCCXXIV".

The monument is also known as the Garleton Monument or sometimes the Galla Monument by locals, after Garleton Farm on Byres Hill.

Apologies, it was a bit of a dreary day so the photos haven't captured the lovely brickwork of the tower. If any of our fabulous friends have any better photos, then please get in touch!