How hard is Bodesbeck Law?

Bodesbeck Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep grass face onto the ridge, then a fine narrow watershed of cropped turf.

Where do I park for Bodesbeck Law?

Standard parking is at NT181125 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 Bodesbeck Law?

The standard good-weather months for Bodesbeck 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 Bodesbeck Law?

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

How hard is Bodesbeck Law?

Bodesbeck Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep grass face onto the ridge, then a fine narrow watershed of cropped turf.

Where do I park for Bodesbeck Law?

Standard parking is at NT181125 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 Bodesbeck Law?

The standard good-weather months for Bodesbeck 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 Bodesbeck 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: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Bodesbeck Law

Bodesbeck Law forms the southern bookend of the long Bodesbeck Ridge above the Moffat Water. A small cairn sits on a rocky knot at the southern tip of the ridge, with a dramatic drop into the Selcoth Burn glen at your feet.

Quick facts

Height: 664.2m/ 2179ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 544 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT169104
Parking: NT181125
Nearest city: Dumfries
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 · 544m ascent · 3.5 hrs

From the A708 at Capplegill, climb steeply onto the ridge and follow it north to the cairn — a full traverse to Andrewhinney is around 14km with 850m of climb.

Terrain

Steep grass face onto the ridge, then a fine narrow watershed of cropped turf. A faint path runs the spine.

In winter

Cornices form on the east-facing edge above Selcoth Burn — verified by SAIS Southern Uplands reports in big winters. Stick to the windward side of the ridge.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 54m
Edinburgh2h 32m

Parking: NT181125

OS maps: OS Landranger 79

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands moorland summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 50mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 03:46
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Bodesbeck 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

46km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Bodesbeck Law — common questions

How hard is Bodesbeck Law?: Bodesbeck Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Steep grass face onto the ridge, then a fine narrow watershed of cropped turf.
Where do I park for Bodesbeck Law?: Standard parking is at NT181125 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 Bodesbeck Law?: The standard good-weather months for Bodesbeck 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 Bodesbeck 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 Bodesbeck Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands moorland summit.
Is Bodesbeck Law safe in winter?: Cornices form on the east-facing edge above Selcoth Burn — verified by SAIS Southern Uplands reports in big winters. Stick to the windward side of the ridge.