How hard is Comb Law?

Comb Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 484m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Smooth turf throughout the ridge — easy underfoot.

Where do I park for Comb Law?

Standard parking is at NS937066 near Glasgow. 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 Comb Law?

The standard good-weather months for Comb 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 Comb Law?

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

How hard is Comb Law?

Comb Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 484m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Smooth turf throughout the ridge — easy underfoot.

Where do I park for Comb Law?

Standard parking is at NS937066 near Glasgow. 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 Comb Law?

The standard good-weather months for Comb 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 Comb 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: Alan O'Dowd / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Southern Uplands

Comb Law

Comb Law is a high but quiet Lowther top east of Wedder Law, on the long watershed running north towards the Lowther Hill radar station. The summit is an unmarked rise in close-cropped grass beside the boundary fence.

Quick facts

Height: 645m/ 2116ft
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 484 m
Time: 3–5 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NS943073
Parking: NS937066
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%

12km · 484m ascent · 3.2 hrs

From Daer reservoir or from the Mennock Pass road end, take the watershed fence south. Usually walked as part of a multi-hill Lowther day. About 11km return with 500m of climb.

Terrain

Smooth turf throughout the ridge — easy underfoot. The fence runs unbroken across the top.

In winter

Drifts gather against the boundary fence. The Mennock Pass road can close in heavy snow, isolating Wanlockhead — check status before driving.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 37m
Edinburgh2h 45m

Parking: NS937066

OS maps: OS Landranger 71, OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 49mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:42
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:48
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Comb Law — common questions

How hard is Comb Law?: Comb Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 484m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Smooth turf throughout the ridge — easy underfoot.
Where do I park for Comb Law?: Standard parking is at NS937066 near Glasgow. 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 Comb Law?: The standard good-weather months for Comb 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 Comb 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 Comb Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.
Is Comb Law safe in winter?: Drifts gather against the boundary fence. The Mennock Pass road can close in heavy snow, isolating Wanlockhead — check status before driving.