How hard is Glenrath Heights?

Glenrath Heights is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 599m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Hard sheep tracks weave through tussocky moor grass on the upper plateau.

Where do I park for Glenrath Heights?

Standard parking is at NT243315 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 Glenrath Heights?

The standard good-weather months for Glenrath Heights 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 Glenrath Heights?

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

How hard is Glenrath Heights?

Glenrath Heights is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 599m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Hard sheep tracks weave through tussocky moor grass on the upper plateau.

Where do I park for Glenrath Heights?

Standard parking is at NT243315 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 Glenrath Heights?

The standard good-weather months for Glenrath Heights 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 Glenrath Heights?

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 · Borders

Glenrath Heights

Glenrath Heights crowns the east arm of the Glenrath Horseshoe, joining the Dollar Law plateau to the Glensax ridge above Peebles. A small heap of stones beside the boundary fence is all that marks the watershed. Walkers tag it as part of the bigger Manor round.

Quick facts

Height: 730.5m/ 2397ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 599 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT241322
Parking: NT243315
Nearest city: Edinburgh
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 · 599m ascent · 3.6 hrs

From the road end at Glenrath Hope, follow the burn into the corrie before climbing onto the north ridge over Black Law. The fence carries you west to Dun Rig or south to Dollar Law for the full horseshoe.

Terrain

Hard sheep tracks weave through tussocky moor grass on the upper plateau. The boundary wire is the dependable guide line. Lower down a shepherds' quad route follows the burn.

In winter

Sits high on the inland watershed and catches snow showers off both coasts; one of the slightly snowier Manor tops. The cairn-like marker disappears under a few centimetres of drift — note the bearing off it before pressing on.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 44m
Edinburgh1h 0m

Parking: NT243315

OS maps: OS Landranger 73

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 55mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:43
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Glenrath Heights 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

31km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Glenrath Heights — common questions

How hard is Glenrath Heights?: Glenrath Heights is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 599m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Hard sheep tracks weave through tussocky moor grass on the upper plateau.
Where do I park for Glenrath Heights?: Standard parking is at NT243315 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 Glenrath Heights?: The standard good-weather months for Glenrath Heights 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 Glenrath Heights?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is Glenrath Heights safe in winter?: Sits high on the inland watershed and catches snow showers off both coasts; one of the slightly snowier Manor tops. The cairn-like marker disappears under a few centimetres of drift — note the bearing off it before pressing on.