Donald · Borders
Ettrick Pen
Ettrick Pen rises at the head of the Ettrick Water on the watershed with Annandale, the most southerly significant Donald in the Borders. A round cairn sits on a slope of peat-cropped grass, with the dark forestry plantations of Eskdalemuir reaching well up the southern flank.
Quick facts
- Height
- 691.8m/ 2270ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 567 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT199076
- Parking
- NT201160
- Nearest city
- Dumfries
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
grass moorland 75% · heather slopes 15% · summit plateau 10%
The usual line starts from Over Phawhope bothy or the road end at Potburn, following a forest break onto the open ridge. The final climb crosses tussocky grass to a small col before the summit dome — about 14km return with 480m of climb.
Terrain
Lower ground is plantation forestry and waterlogged peat between the rows. Above the treeline a short heather belt gives way to a smooth grass crown. Old wire fences are the only handrails on top.
In winter
Snow gathers in the col south of the summit and lingers into late March. SAIS does not cover Ettrick but cornice formation on the east-facing edge above Selcoth Burn is a known hazard after south-westerly storms.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 47m
- Edinburgh2h 35m
OS maps: OS Landranger 79
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views across the Ettrick Forest.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:41
- Sunset
- 21:41
- Civil dawn
- 03:46
- Civil dusk
- 22:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ettrick Pen.
Around Ettrick Pen on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ettrick Pen — common questions
- How hard is Ettrick Pen?
- Ettrick Pen is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 567m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Lower ground is plantation forestry and waterlogged peat between the rows.
- Where do I park for Ettrick Pen?
- Standard parking is at NT201160 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 Ettrick Pen?
- The standard good-weather months for Ettrick Pen 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 Ettrick Pen?
- 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 Ettrick Pen?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views across the Ettrick Forest.
- Is Ettrick Pen safe in winter?
- Snow gathers in the col south of the summit and lingers into late March. SAIS does not cover Ettrick but cornice formation on the east-facing edge above Selcoth Burn is a known hazard after south-westerly storms.