How hard is Scaw'd Law?

Scaw'd Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Lower slopes are improved pasture and forestry edge; upper ground is short turf with the old wall as a navigation handrail.

Where do I park for Scaw'd Law?

Standard parking is at NS928044 near Glasgow. 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 Scaw'd Law?

The standard good-weather months for Scaw'd 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 Scaw'd Law?

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

How hard is Scaw'd Law?

Scaw'd Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Lower slopes are improved pasture and forestry edge; upper ground is short turf with the old wall as a navigation handrail.

Where do I park for Scaw'd Law?

Standard parking is at NS928044 near Glasgow. 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 Scaw'd Law?

The standard good-weather months for Scaw'd 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 Scaw'd Law?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Iain Russell / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 544 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NS922037
Parking: NS928044
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 · 544m ascent · 3.5 hrs

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

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 40m
Edinburgh2h 51m

Parking: NS928044

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Pentland Hills area viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 49mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:43
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:48
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Scaw'd Law on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

Galloway base — Solway coast, Galloway Forest, Mull of Galloway Trail

58km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Scaw'd Law — common questions

How hard is Scaw'd Law?: Scaw'd Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 544m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Lower slopes are improved pasture and forestry edge; upper ground is short turf with the old wall as a navigation handrail.
Where do I park for Scaw'd Law?: Standard parking is at NS928044 near Glasgow. 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 Scaw'd Law?: The standard good-weather months for Scaw'd 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 Scaw'd 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 Scaw'd Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. 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.