Donald · Borders
Whitehope Law
Whitehope Law (623m) sits deep in the eastern Moorfoots above the Heriot Water, a deep heather dome rising from the headwaters of the Gala. A small heap of stones beside the march fence marks the summit. The hill links to Bowbeat Hill along a broad watershed and sees few visitors outside the August grouse season — the high ground feels remote despite its proximity to Edinburgh.
Quick facts
- Height
- 623m/ 2044ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 467 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT330445
- Parking
- NT332453
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%
The most direct approach starts from Heriot at NT400535 and follows the estate track south up the Heriot Cleugh before climbing the broad north ridge. The walk runs roughly 12km with 467m of ascent. The estate track makes a steady walk-in and a march fence guides the final ascent. The summit cairn is small and easily missed if the fence is your only handrail.
Terrain
Deep heather characterises the upper slopes — leg-tiring in summer when the stems lock around boots, and a slow grind through patches of bog underneath. The march fence is well-maintained and serves as a continuous handrail across the plateau. Grouse butts and stone shooting markers provide secondary waypoints.
In winter
The Moorfoot heather flattens under snow into deceptively walkable slopes that hide bog holes and watercourses. Easterly haar can grey out the plateau for days, and the fence becomes more important than the map. Sub-zero conditions freeze the bog into solid ground — often the best time of year to cross this kind of moor.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 49m
- Edinburgh1h 43m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 21:42
- Civil dawn
- 03:42
- Civil dusk
- 22:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Whitehope Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Whitehope Law — common questions
- How hard is Whitehope Law?
- Whitehope Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 467m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Deep heather characterises the upper slopes — leg-tiring in summer when the stems lock around boots, and a slow grind through patches of bog underneath.
- Where do I park for Whitehope Law?
- Standard parking is at NT332453 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 Whitehope Law?
- The standard good-weather months for Whitehope 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 Whitehope 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 Whitehope Law?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.
- Is Whitehope Law safe in winter?
- The Moorfoot heather flattens under snow into deceptively walkable slopes that hide bog holes and watercourses. Easterly haar can grey out the plateau for days, and the fence becomes more important than the map. Sub-zero conditions freeze the bog into solid ground — often the best time of year to cross this kind of moor.