How hard is Blackhope Scar?

Blackhope Scar is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Heather and bog cotton on the plateau; the upper ridge has firmer turf.

Where do I park for Blackhope Scar?

Standard parking is at NT347465 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 Blackhope Scar?

The standard good-weather months for Blackhope Scar 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 Blackhope Scar?

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

How hard is Blackhope Scar?

Blackhope Scar is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Heather and bog cotton on the plateau; the upper ridge has firmer turf.

Where do I park for Blackhope Scar?

Standard parking is at NT347465 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 Blackhope Scar?

The standard good-weather months for Blackhope Scar 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 Blackhope Scar?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Blackhope Scar

Blackhope Scar is the second-highest of the Moorfoot Hills, a broad rounded top above the Gladhouse Reservoir and the upper Esk. The summit is unmarked but for a small cairn at the crown of the moor — a fine wild spot within sight of Edinburgh.

Quick facts

Height: 651.8m/ 2138ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 534 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT315483
Parking: NT347465
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 · 534m ascent · 3.5 hrs

From the Glentress or Gladhouse road end, climb the east ridge onto the broad plateau and follow it to the cairn. Around 12km return with 480m of climb.

Terrain

Heather and bog cotton on the plateau; the upper ridge has firmer turf. Faint estate tracks run partway up the hill.

In winter

Snow lingers in the corrie heads above the Glentress forest. Wind funnels straight off the Pentlands and the top scours bare in easterlies.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 46m
Edinburgh1h 37m

Parking: NT347465

OS maps: OS Landranger 73

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine viewpoint over Tweeddale.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 58mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:38
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:41
Civil dusk: 22:39

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Pair with

Curated multi-hill combinations from Blackhope Scar.

Two-hill day
Blackhope Scar + Windlestraw Law
Link two Moorfoot Donalds for a smooth grass traverse
14km · 600m ascent · 5 hrs

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Around Blackhope Scar on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Edinburgh Haymarket

West-end Edinburgh; Highland departures; Murrayfield

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Glenkinchie

Pencaitland — Edinburgh's neighbour; light, grassy Lowlander

22km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Blackhope Scar — common questions

How hard is Blackhope Scar?: Blackhope Scar is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Heather and bog cotton on the plateau; the upper ridge has firmer turf.
Where do I park for Blackhope Scar?: Standard parking is at NT347465 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 Blackhope Scar?: The standard good-weather months for Blackhope Scar 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 Blackhope Scar?: 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 Blackhope Scar?: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine viewpoint over Tweeddale.
Is Blackhope Scar safe in winter?: Snow lingers in the corrie heads above the Glentress forest. Wind funnels straight off the Pentlands and the top scours bare in easterlies.