Is Broad Law a hard climb?

Broad Law is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 7km with 380m of ascent and takes most walkers 1-3 hours. Ground conditions: Grassy slopes, no path required.

How much drop does Broad Law have?

The drop is 654m: measured from the summit of Broad Law down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.

Where's the parking for Broad Law?

Park at NT151203 near Peebles. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.

What's the best month to climb Broad Law?

Aim for April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Broad Law. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Broad Law?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary Innes

Photo: James T M Towill / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Broad Law

The highest hill in the Borders, with a flat-as-a-pancake summit topped by an aircraft beacon. The view of the Tweedsmuir hills rolling away in every direction is the reward. Standard ascent from Peebles covers 7 km with 380 m of climbing.

Quick facts

Height: 840.1m/ 2756ft
Prominence: 654 m
Distance: 7 km
Ascent: 380 m
Time: 1–3 hrs
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT146235
Parking: NT151203
Nearest: Peebles· Dumfries 50km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

grass moorland 75% · heather patches 20% · summit area 5%

7km · 380m ascent · 3 hrs

Direct ascent from the Megget Stone road pass at the head of Talla Reservoir. Pathless grass climb up the south ridge to the radar beacon. Short by Donald standards but exposed to the prevailing wind throughout the upper section.

Terrain

Grassy slopes, no path required. Featureless summit plateau — compass needed in cloud.

In winter

Bleak in winter. Surprisingly serious in cloud or snow because of the featureless plateau.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 45m
Edinburgh1h 15m

Parking: NT151203

OS maps: OS Explorer 330

Mobile signal: Excellent summit coverage; strong EE, Vodafone and O2. Telecom mast on the plateau.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 52mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:48
Sunset: 21:50
Civil dawn: 03:53
Civil dusk: 22:45

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026

Pair with

Curated multi-hill combinations from Broad Law.

Two-hill day
Broad Law + Cramalt Craig
Easy Tweedsmuir ridge walk linking these plateau tops
14km · 550m ascent · 5 hrs

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Around Broad 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

42km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Broad Law — common questions

Is Broad Law a hard climb?: Broad Law is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 7km with 380m of ascent and takes most walkers 1-3 hours. Ground conditions: Grassy slopes, no path required.
How much drop does Broad Law have?: The drop is 654m: measured from the summit of Broad Law down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
Where's the parking for Broad Law?: Park at NT151203 near Peebles. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
What's the best month to climb Broad Law?: Aim for April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Broad Law. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Broad Law?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Broad Law?: Excellent summit coverage; strong EE, Vodafone and O2. Telecom mast on the plateau.
Is Broad Law safe in winter?: Bleak in winter. Surprisingly serious in cloud or snow because of the featureless plateau.

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