How hard is Black Law?

Black Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Mostly heather above the bracken band — calf-deep in places where managed burning is overdue.

Where do I park for Black Law?

Standard parking is at NT232299 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 Black Law?

The standard good-weather months for Black Law 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 Black Law?

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

How hard is Black Law?

Black Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Mostly heather above the bracken band — calf-deep in places where managed burning is overdue.

Where do I park for Black Law?

Standard parking is at NT232299 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 Black Law?

The standard good-weather months for Black Law 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 Black Law?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Colin Park / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Black Law

Black Law sits east of Talla Reservoir on the inner watershed, a small handful of stones beside the boundary fence marking the top. The name is common in the Borders for any dark heathery rise — and this one fits the bill.

Quick facts

Height: 698m/ 2290ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 572 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT222279
Parking: NT232299
Nearest city: Edinburgh
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

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

13km · 572m ascent · 3.6 hrs

Most often picked up as part of the Manor–Tweedsmuir round; the shortest standalone ascent is from the road end at Stanhope, climbing through bracken and onto the grassy crest of Long Grain Knowe.

Terrain

Mostly heather above the bracken band — calf-deep in places where managed burning is overdue. The ridge fence guides the walker along the crest.

In winter

Heather under snow is exhausting to push through. After a freeze the going firms up quickly. Watch for hidden boulders below the cairn — they tend to grab crampon points in shallow cover.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 44m
Edinburgh1h 6m

Parking: NT232299

OS maps: OS Landranger 73

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Smooth Southern Uplands grass hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 53mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:44
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Black Law 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

34km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Black Law — common questions

How hard is Black Law?: Black Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Mostly heather above the bracken band — calf-deep in places where managed burning is overdue.
Where do I park for Black Law?: Standard parking is at NT232299 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 Black Law?: The standard good-weather months for Black Law 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 Black Law?: 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 Black Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Smooth Southern Uplands grass hill.
Is Black Law safe in winter?: Heather under snow is exhausting to push through. After a freeze the going firms up quickly. Watch for hidden boulders below the cairn — they tend to grab crampon points in shallow cover.