Dun Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 554m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep tracks weave across short turf; the watershed fence makes line-of-sight navigation effortless.

Where do I park for Dun Law?

Standard parking is at NS912134 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 Dun Law?

The standard good-weather months for Dun 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 Dun Law?

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

Dun Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 554m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep tracks weave across short turf; the watershed fence makes line-of-sight navigation effortless.

Where do I park for Dun Law?

Standard parking is at NS912134 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 Dun Law?

The standard good-weather months for Dun 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 Dun 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: bill copland / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Southern Uplands

Dun Law

A quiet top on the rolling watershed between the Dalveen Pass and the upper Daer reservoir, Dun Law is one of the easier Lowther Donalds. A small heap of stones sits on a flattish plateau of sheep-cropped grass, with views east across the Daer to Queensberry.

Quick facts

Height: 675.7m/ 2217ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 554 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NS916136
Parking: NS912134
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 · 554m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Approached from the A702 over the Dalveen Pass, or from the Daer Water reservoir road to the east. Around 8km return with 380m of climb from the road.

Terrain

Sheep tracks weave across short turf; the watershed fence makes line-of-sight navigation effortless.

In winter

Drifts pile up against the watershed fence in westerly storms. The road over Dalveen is usually first to close in heavy snow — plan an exit route.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow1h 27m
Edinburgh2h 39m

Parking: NS912134

OS maps: OS Landranger 71, OS Landranger 78

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

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 51mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:42
Sunset: 21:43
Civil dawn: 03:47
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

On a long-distance route

Dun Law sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.

Southern Upland Way0.8km

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Around Dun Law on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Ayr station

Ayrshire coast; Galloway approach via bus/car

58km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Dun Law — common questions

How hard is Dun Law?: Dun Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 554m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep tracks weave across short turf; the watershed fence makes line-of-sight navigation effortless.
Where do I park for Dun Law?: Standard parking is at NS912134 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 Dun Law?: The standard good-weather months for Dun 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 Dun 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 Dun Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands minor summit.
Is Dun Law safe in winter?: Drifts pile up against the watershed fence in westerly storms. The road over Dalveen is usually first to close in heavy snow — plan an exit route.