Donald · Borders
Herman Law
Herman Law (614m) is the eastern bookend of the Ettrick Hills, a quiet grassy top above the headwaters of the Tima Water. A fence junction marks the summit. The hill is rarely climbed by itself — most parties take it in on a long traverse from Bell Craig through Andrewhinney Hill, or from the Ettrick valley as part of the watershed round. The views east over the Yarrow toward St Mary's Loch are the highlight.
Quick facts
- Height
- 614.4m/ 2016ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 460 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT213156
- Parking
- NT212153
- 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%
A useful starting point is the road end at the head of the Tima Water (NT212153 area, on the Ettrick–Yarrow back road), from where a fence climbs directly to the summit junction in 12km with 460m of ascent. The going is open hill pasture and short heather, with the fence as a continuous handrail. Many parties extend along the watershed to Trowgrain Middle and Andrewhinney for a longer ridge.
Terrain
Pastoral grass and shallow tussock characterise the lower slopes; the watershed rolls broadly with peat hags between the higher tops. The fence line that meets at the summit junction provides reliable navigation, and the open ground is accessible year-round. The Ettrick side falls more steeply than the Yarrow side and cleuchs make poor descent lines.
In winter
The eastern Ettrick Hills catch the full force of easterly haar and northerly continentals — Herman Law's broad top becomes a featureless white plateau in poor weather, with only the fence to fix a position on. Cornices form along the steep northern edges into Tima Burn. SAIS Southern Uplands bulletins cover this ground when warranted; visibility is the constant challenge.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 53m
- Edinburgh1h 23m
OS maps: OS Landranger 79
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Yarrow Water viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:41
- Civil dawn
- 03:45
- Civil dusk
- 22:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Herman Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Herman Law — common questions
- How hard is Herman Law?
- Herman Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 460m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Pastoral grass and shallow tussock characterise the lower slopes; the watershed rolls broadly with peat hags between the higher tops.
- Where do I park for Herman Law?
- Standard parking is at NT212153 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 Herman Law?
- The standard good-weather months for Herman 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 Herman 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 Herman Law?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Yarrow Water viewpoint.
- Is Herman Law safe in winter?
- The eastern Ettrick Hills catch the full force of easterly haar and northerly continentals — Herman Law's broad top becomes a featureless white plateau in poor weather, with only the fence to fix a position on. Cornices form along the steep northern edges into Tima Burn. SAIS Southern Uplands bulletins cover this ground when warranted; visibility is the constant challenge.