How hard is Under Saddle Yoke?

Under Saddle Yoke is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 611m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A grassy nose of steep tussock and slippery rabbit-cropped sward — the ascent is genuinely steep but never serious.

Where do I park for Under Saddle Yoke?

Standard parking is at NT145146 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 Under Saddle Yoke?

The standard good-weather months for Under Saddle Yoke 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 Under Saddle Yoke?

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

How hard is Under Saddle Yoke?

Under Saddle Yoke is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 611m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A grassy nose of steep tussock and slippery rabbit-cropped sward — the ascent is genuinely steep but never serious.

Where do I park for Under Saddle Yoke?

Standard parking is at NT145146 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 Under Saddle Yoke?

The standard good-weather months for Under Saddle Yoke 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 Under Saddle Yoke?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Robert Struthers / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Borders

Under Saddle Yoke

Under Saddle Yoke rises sharply from Capplegill above the Moffat Water, the southern bookend of the long arête that runs north over Saddle Yoke proper to Hart Fell. The unmarked top sits at the edge of the spectacular Black Hope hanging valley.

Quick facts

Height: 745m/ 2444ft
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 611 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT142126
Parking: NT145146
Nearest city: Dumfries
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%

14km · 611m ascent · 3.8 hrs

A steep direct ascent leaves the lay-by at Capplegill and pulls straight up the south ridge — short, sharp, and dramatic. Continue the airy connecting ridge to Saddle Yoke and Hart Fell, descending back via Whirly Gill.

Terrain

A grassy nose of steep tussock and slippery rabbit-cropped sward — the ascent is genuinely steep but never serious. The summit ridge narrows briefly with airy views into Black Hope; pleasant in dry, tricky when greasy.

In winter

The Black Hope corrie holds the longest-lasting snowfields in the Moffat Hills and grows substantial cornices in north-westerlies. The descent line is icy in early morning sun. SAIS Southern Uplands should be checked before any winter outing here.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 49m
Edinburgh1h 29m

Parking: NT145146

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Moffat Hills viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 50mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 03:46
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Under Saddle Yoke?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Under Saddle Yoke 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

47km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Under Saddle Yoke — common questions

How hard is Under Saddle Yoke?: Under Saddle Yoke is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 611m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: A grassy nose of steep tussock and slippery rabbit-cropped sward — the ascent is genuinely steep but never serious.
Where do I park for Under Saddle Yoke?: Standard parking is at NT145146 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 Under Saddle Yoke?: The standard good-weather months for Under Saddle Yoke 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 Under Saddle Yoke?: 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 Under Saddle Yoke?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Moffat Hills viewpoint.
Is Under Saddle Yoke safe in winter?: The Black Hope corrie holds the longest-lasting snowfields in the Moffat Hills and grows substantial cornices in north-westerlies. The descent line is icy in early morning sun. SAIS Southern Uplands should be checked before any winter outing here.