Dun Rig is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 608m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A genuine path runs the length of the Glensax ridge — a rarity in the Borders.

Where do I park for Dun Rig?

Standard parking is at NT204262 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 Dun Rig?

The standard good-weather months for Dun Rig 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 Dun Rig?

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

Dun Rig is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 608m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A genuine path runs the length of the Glensax ridge — a rarity in the Borders.

Where do I park for Dun Rig?

Standard parking is at NT204262 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 Dun Rig?

The standard good-weather months for Dun Rig 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 Dun Rig?

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

Dun Rig

Dun Rig is the prized objective of the long ridge that runs south from Peebles between the Glensax and Manor valleys — wonderful walking country on a clear day. The bare grassy mound at the top is a fine spot to take in the upper Tweed.

Quick facts

Height: 742.7m/ 2437ft
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 608 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT253315
Parking: NT204262
Nearest city: Edinburgh
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 55% · grass moorland 35% · rocky summit 10%

14km · 608m ascent · 3.8 hrs

The classic line is the Glensax Round from Peebles itself, a 22 km horseshoe taking in Hundleshope Heights, Stake Law and Dun Rig before returning along the Birkscairn ridge. Shorter variants start at Kirkhouse on the Manor road.

Terrain

A genuine path runs the length of the Glensax ridge — a rarity in the Borders. The going is short pasture and dry peat with very few wet sections. Easy gradients but a long walk in.

In winter

Easterly snow showers off the North Sea plaster the ridge before the western hills see anything; check Met Office Mountain forecast. Once white, the broad rolling top loses its features and dead reckoning is essential.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 46m
Edinburgh1h 1m

Parking: NT204262

OS maps: OS Landranger 73

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 54mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:43
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Dun Rig 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

30km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Dun Rig — common questions

How hard is Dun Rig?: Dun Rig is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 608m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A genuine path runs the length of the Glensax ridge — a rarity in the Borders.
Where do I park for Dun Rig?: Standard parking is at NT204262 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 Dun Rig?: The standard good-weather months for Dun Rig 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 Dun Rig?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is Dun Rig safe in winter?: Easterly snow showers off the North Sea plaster the ridge before the western hills see anything; check Met Office Mountain forecast. Once white, the broad rolling top loses its features and dead reckoning is essential.