How hard is Wind Fell?

Wind Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: A line of broken fence-posts crosses the summit and the ridge alternates between firm turf and short patches of peat hag.

Where do I park for Wind Fell?

Standard parking is at NT191071 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 Wind Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Wind Fell 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 Wind Fell?

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

How hard is Wind Fell?

Wind Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: A line of broken fence-posts crosses the summit and the ridge alternates between firm turf and short patches of peat hag.

Where do I park for Wind Fell?

Standard parking is at NT191071 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 Wind Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Wind Fell 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 Wind Fell?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Colin Park / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Wind Fell

Wind Fell sits east of Loch Fell on the Ettrick watershed, its name justified — the top is fully exposed to anything blowing in from the west. A patch of mossy turf in place of a cairn, with a small windbreak built by passing shepherds.

Quick facts

Height: 665.2m/ 2182ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 545 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT178061
Parking: NT191071
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 · 545m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Linked routinely with Loch Fell from the Berrybush road, traversing along the watershed fence. About 14km return with 600m of climb for the pair. About 13 km, 545 m of ascent, allow 3.5 hours.

Terrain

A line of broken fence-posts crosses the summit and the ridge alternates between firm turf and short patches of peat hag.

In winter

Famously windswept — wind chill on this top in February is brutal even when valleys are calm. Snow is usually scoured off the crown but accumulates in the col east of the summit.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 46m
Edinburgh2h 37m

Parking: NT191071

OS maps: OS Landranger 79

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Exposed Southern Uplands watershed.

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

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Around Wind Fell 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

Wind Fell — common questions

How hard is Wind Fell?: Wind Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 545m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: A line of broken fence-posts crosses the summit and the ridge alternates between firm turf and short patches of peat hag.
Where do I park for Wind Fell?: Standard parking is at NT191071 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 Wind Fell?: The standard good-weather months for Wind Fell 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 Wind Fell?: 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 Wind Fell?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Exposed Southern Uplands watershed.
Is Wind Fell safe in winter?: Famously windswept — wind chill on this top in February is brutal even when valleys are calm. Snow is usually scoured off the crown but accumulates in the col east of the summit.