Linn Dean Soutra Hill Reserve
Situated ten miles south-east of Dalkeith, Linn Dean is a steep-sided glen with flower-rich grassland that supports a colony of Northern Brown Argus butterflies. Juniper grows on the reserve and the Linn Dean Water provides suitable conditions for unusual mosses and liverworts.
From the Edinburgh bypass (A720), take the A68 south, continuing through Pathhead. Five miles further on, the road climbs up to Soutra Hill. At the top of the hill, turn into the layby on left. Linn Dean is situated north of the layby at the top of Soutra Hill. There are no maintained paths on Linn Dean, and visitors must take care of the steep, wet and uneven ground conditions. Visitors are advised to wear footwear with a good grip suitable for these conditions. The reserve is grazed by cattle, meaning dogs should be kept on a lead under close control at all times.