How hard is Andrewhinney Hill?

Andrewhinney Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 555m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep initial slope onto the ridge, then easy grass for the rest of the way.

Where do I park for Andrewhinney Hill?

Standard parking is at NT173095 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Andrewhinney Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Andrewhinney Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Andrewhinney Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Andrewhinney Hill?

Andrewhinney Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 555m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep initial slope onto the ridge, then easy grass for the rest of the way.

Where do I park for Andrewhinney Hill?

Standard parking is at NT173095 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Andrewhinney Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Andrewhinney Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Andrewhinney Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Iain Russell / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Borders

Andrewhinney Hill

Andrewhinney Hill is the high point of the long ridge that runs north from the head of the Moffat Water towards Ettrick. A small cairn on a slight knoll gives a fine view over Bodesbeck Law and down into the Grey Mare's Tail glen.

Quick facts

Height: 677.3m/ 2222ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 555 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT197138
Parking: NT173095
Nearest city: Dumfries
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%

13km · 555m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Best taken as part of a Bodesbeck Law traverse from the A708 at the head of Moffat Water. The whole ridge round is about 13km with 800m of climb.

Terrain

Steep initial slope onto the ridge, then easy grass for the rest of the way. A narrow but distinct path runs along most of the watershed.

In winter

Cornice formation on the east-facing edge above the Selcoth corrie is documented after big snow-and-wind events — give the rim a wide berth.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 53m
Edinburgh1h 26m

Parking: NT173095

OS maps: OS Landranger 79

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views to the Borders.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 51mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:40
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 03:45
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Andrewhinney Hill?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Andrewhinney Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Tweedbank station

Borders Railway terminus; Eildon Hills, Melrose, Tweed Valley

41km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Andrewhinney Hill — common questions

How hard is Andrewhinney Hill?: Andrewhinney Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 555m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep initial slope onto the ridge, then easy grass for the rest of the way.
Where do I park for Andrewhinney Hill?: Standard parking is at NT173095 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Andrewhinney Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Andrewhinney Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Andrewhinney Hill?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Andrewhinney Hill?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views to the Borders.
Is Andrewhinney Hill safe in winter?: Cornice formation on the east-facing edge above the Selcoth corrie is documented after big snow-and-wind events — give the rim a wide berth.