How hard is Cape Law?

Cape Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 592m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Acid grassland on a flat, peat-laced summit.

Where do I park for Cape Law?

Standard parking is at NT138134 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 Cape Law?

The standard good-weather months for Cape Law are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Cape Law?

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

How hard is Cape Law?

Cape Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 592m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Acid grassland on a flat, peat-laced summit.

Where do I park for Cape Law?

Standard parking is at NT138134 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 Cape Law?

The standard good-weather months for Cape Law are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Cape 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: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Cape Law

Cape Law links the Hart Fell massif to the Moffat watershed near Talla Reservoir, an angular fence corner at its top giving the only orientation point. The interior of the Moffats opens out from here in a long lonely panorama.

Quick facts

Height: 722m/ 2369ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 592 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT131150
Parking: NT138134
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 · 592m ascent · 3.6 hrs

Walkers usually reach it from Hart Fell via Whitehope Knowe, or up the long shoulder from Talla Linnfoots. There are no paths — the fence line between the Borders and Dumfries does the navigating for you.

Terrain

Acid grassland on a flat, peat-laced summit. Some peat hags along the watershed but never deep. The fence is rebuilt in places with new posts; old stiles still cling to the wire here and there.

In winter

Sees plenty of snow showers but rarely deep cover; the watershed wind keeps the tops scoured. The combination of low cloud and easterly drift can put visibility down to a few yards on this dead-flat top.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 45m
Edinburgh1h 26m

Parking: NT138134

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Pentland fringe viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 51mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:46
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Cape 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

47km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Cape Law — common questions

How hard is Cape Law?: Cape Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 592m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Acid grassland on a flat, peat-laced summit.
Where do I park for Cape Law?: Standard parking is at NT138134 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 Cape Law?: The standard good-weather months for Cape Law are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Cape 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 Cape Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Pentland fringe viewpoint.
Is Cape Law safe in winter?: Sees plenty of snow showers but rarely deep cover; the watershed wind keeps the tops scoured. The combination of low cloud and easterly drift can put visibility down to a few yards on this dead-flat top.