Langholm – Newcastleton Hills SPA is located in the Southern Uplands of south-west Scotland. It comprises a large area of upland moorland between the towns of Langholm and Newcastleton. The terrain varies from gently undulating hills to steep, smooth-sided hills deeply dissected by valleys. The main ridge of hills forming the eastern half of the site rises to 568 m at Roan Fell. The Tarras Water is the main riparian feature and has its source on the western slope of Roan Fell and flows south, bisecting the site. The hills rising to the west of Tarras Water are dominated by Arkleton Hill, at 521 m, and several have cliffs. The vegetation of the site is dominated by extensive blanket mire, heather moorland and damp heath, and species-poor acidic grasslands, with frequent small areas of broad-leaved woodland associated with streams. Sheep farming and moorland management for Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus are the two main current land uses with the site. The site regularly supports a population of European importance of the Annex I species Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Hen Harriers from the breeding population are also present on the Langholm-Newcastleton Hills in winter. A diverse range of other upland birds occurs on the moorlands, including Whinchat , black grouse and short-eared owl (main picture), although not at levels of European importance.See Youtube videos below.

Please do NOT walk over the moorlands. It is possible to park at several areas along the roadside. All the species are usually quite visible without the need to venture onto the moors with the possibility of disturbing the birds. We have always seen hen harrier, short-eaed owl from the car used as a convenient hide.

Inset picture: Birdersmarket

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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