How hard is Gathersnow Hill?

Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Short turf and bilberry on the rounded top, with deeper heather on the eastern flank towards Glenholm.

Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?

Standard parking is at NT057266 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 Gathersnow Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Gathersnow Hill 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 Gathersnow Hill?

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

How hard is Gathersnow Hill?

Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Short turf and bilberry on the rounded top, with deeper heather on the eastern flank towards Glenholm.

Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?

Standard parking is at NT057266 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 Gathersnow Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Gathersnow Hill 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 Gathersnow Hill?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Gathersnow Hill

Gathersnow Hill sits at the head of the Holms Water on the eastern arm of the Culter Fell range. True to its name, snow lingers in the corrie north of the cairn long after the surrounding hills have cleared. A weathered fence corner doubles as a windbreak.

Quick facts

Height: 689.5m/ 2262ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 565 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT058256
Parking: NT057266
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 · 565m ascent · 3.5 hrs

The standard approach is from Coulter village by way of Culter Fell, traversing south along the watershed for an in-out tag. About 18km return with 750m of climb if linked with Culter Fell.

Terrain

Short turf and bilberry on the rounded top, with deeper heather on the eastern flank towards Glenholm. The Culter Fell to Gathersnow ridge is wide and forgiving underfoot.

In winter

Long-lying snow patches are the namesake here — drifts in the north-east hollow can persist into May. Whiteout disorientation on the broad top is a real risk; the fence north back to Culter Fell is the safest bail line.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow1h 27m
Edinburgh1h 15m

Parking: NT057266

OS maps: OS Landranger 72

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views across Pentlands and Moorfoot.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 53mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:43
Civil dawn: 03:45
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Pair with

Curated multi-hill combinations from Gathersnow Hill.

Two-hill day
Gathersnow Hill + Culter Fell
Link two Lanarkshire Donalds in a circular from Culter
14km · 600m ascent · 5 hrs

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Around Gathersnow Hill 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

50km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Gathersnow Hill — common questions

How hard is Gathersnow Hill?: Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Short turf and bilberry on the rounded top, with deeper heather on the eastern flank towards Glenholm.
Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?: Standard parking is at NT057266 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 Gathersnow Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Gathersnow Hill 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 Gathersnow Hill?: 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 Gathersnow Hill?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views across Pentlands and Moorfoot.
Is Gathersnow Hill safe in winter?: Long-lying snow patches are the namesake here — drifts in the north-east hollow can persist into May. Whiteout disorientation on the broad top is a real risk; the fence north back to Culter Fell is the safest bail line.