© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland
Glenrath is an Iron Age settlement and fort located in Peeblesshire, in the Scottish Borders. The site occupies high ground approximately 1190 metres north-west of the settlement it is named after, positioned on bedrock belonging to the Gala Group, a formation of wacke laid down during the Telychian period of the early Palaeozoic era. This geology provides a naturally sturdy foundation, though the exposed location at altitude would have presented considerable challenges to Iron Age inhabitants.
The fort represents a period of defended settlement in southern Scotland, likely constructed during the later Iron Age when such fortifications became increasingly common across the region. The wacke bedrock, whilst providing structural stability, would have made construction labour-intensive, requiring substantial effort to cut and shape stone for ramparts or enclosed structures typical of the period.
Glenrath is protected as a scheduled monument under Historic Environment Scotland reference SM2952, recognising its archaeological and historical importance. The site's upland position commands views across the Peeblesshire landscape, a strategic advantage characteristic of Iron Age fort placement, though the exposed moorland setting would have required considerable resilience from those who occupied and defended this settlement.
Glenrath, settlement & fort 1190m NW of is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2952. View the official record →
Glenrath is an Iron Age settlement and fort located in Peeblesshire, in the Scottish Borders. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2952.
Glenrath, settlement & fort 1190m NW of dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a settlement & fort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Glenrath, settlement & fort 1190m NW of is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM2952.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wood Hill,fort & enclosure (1.3 km), Wood Hill,settlement 230m E of (1.4 km), Posso,tower & associated structures WNW of (1.5 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Glenrath, settlement & fort 1190m NW of's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Glenrath, settlement & fort 1190m NW of stands on Gala Group, bedrock that formed in the Telychian. The rock here is wacke.