Donald · Southern Uplands
Scaw'd Law
Scaw'd Law is a quiet eastern outlier of the Lowther group above the Daer reservoir. The name — 'bare law' in Scots — fits perfectly: a wind-bald summit of trampled bare ground beside a tumbledown drystone wall.
Quick facts
- Height
- 664.4m/ 2180ft
- Prominence
- 58 m
- Grid ref
- NS922037
- Parking
- NS928044
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 28km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%
From the Daer reservoir car park, climb the east flank of the ridge onto the watershed and follow it south. Around 9km return with 450m of climb.
Terrain
Lower slopes are improved pasture and forestry edge; upper ground is short turf with the old wall as a navigation handrail.
In winter
Snow drifts pile against the wall on the south side. The Daer reservoir road is the determining factor for winter access — it can close to non-residents in heavy storms.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 40m
- Edinburgh2h 51m
OS maps: OS Landranger 78
Mobile signal: Reliable up top; EE is dependable. Pentland Hills area viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:51
- Sunset
- 21:50
- Civil dawn
- 03:56
- Civil dusk
- 22:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Around Scaw'd Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Scaw'd Law — common questions
- Is Scaw'd Law a hard climb?
- Scaw'd Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Lower slopes are improved pasture and forestry edge; upper ground is short turf with the old wall as a navigation handrail.
- How much drop does Scaw'd Law have?
- The drop is 58m: measured from the summit of Scaw'd Law down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Scaw'd Law?
- Park at NS928044. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Scaw'd Law?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November on Scaw'd Law. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Scaw'd Law?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Scaw'd Law?
- Reliable up top; EE is dependable. Pentland Hills area viewpoint.
- Is Scaw'd Law safe in winter?
- Snow drifts pile against the wall on the south side. The Daer reservoir road is the determining factor for winter access — it can close to non-residents in heavy storms.
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