How hard is Hillshaw Head?

Hillshaw Head is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Grass and peat-hag plateau with the fence as the only navigation feature.

Where do I park for Hillshaw Head?

Standard parking is at NT051253 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 Hillshaw Head?

The standard good-weather months for Hillshaw Head 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 Hillshaw Head?

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

How hard is Hillshaw Head?

Hillshaw Head is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Grass and peat-hag plateau with the fence as the only navigation feature.

Where do I park for Hillshaw Head?

Standard parking is at NT051253 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 Hillshaw Head?

The standard good-weather months for Hillshaw Head 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 Hillshaw Head?

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

Hillshaw Head

Hillshaw Head joins the Culter Fell ridge to Coomb Dod and the Megget watershed on the long Tweedsmuir spine. A modest cairn ten metres east of the watershed fence marks the highest patch of grass on a wide rolling top.

Quick facts

Height: 652m/ 2139ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 535 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT048246
Parking: NT051253
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 · 535m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Most often climbed from the Culter Fell side, traversing along the watershed fence for an out-and-back. About 16km return with 700m of climb when linked with Culter Fell.

Terrain

Grass and peat-hag plateau with the fence as the only navigation feature. Some wet sections in the saddle west of the summit.

In winter

Long-lying snow patches in the hollows north of the cairn. The fence is the lifeline in whiteout — there is nothing else to orient by on the plateau.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow1h 27m
Edinburgh1h 17m

Parking: NT051253

OS maps: OS Landranger 72

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweedsmuir moorland viewpoint.

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

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Around Hillshaw Head 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

52km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Hillshaw Head — common questions

How hard is Hillshaw Head?: Hillshaw Head is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Grass and peat-hag plateau with the fence as the only navigation feature.
Where do I park for Hillshaw Head?: Standard parking is at NT051253 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 Hillshaw Head?: The standard good-weather months for Hillshaw Head 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 Hillshaw Head?: 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 Hillshaw Head?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweedsmuir moorland viewpoint.
Is Hillshaw Head safe in winter?: Long-lying snow patches in the hollows north of the cairn. The fence is the lifeline in whiteout — there is nothing else to orient by on the plateau.