Birnie Brae sits at the south end of the College Valley on the border ridge. At 508m high and with views over the Cheviot and Hen Hole this is a fabulous place for a stroll.
Birnie Brae sits just to the west of the College Valley so the easiest way to bag this hill is to park at the Mounthooly Bunkhouse (you will need a day permit to park here or walk down from the Hethpool car park), then follow the permissive path towards the Hen Hole and then take the path up the side of Red Cribs.
Then it's just a few hundred metres from here. You'll have to check your map as there is no clear indicator you are at the summit.
Follow the route above or find it on OS Maps. Just over 3km and 246m of climbing.
From the top you can either head on over to bag The Schil or head east to Auchope Cairn.