How hard is Windlestraw Law?

Windlestraw Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 540m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Peaty top with hidden runnels — slow going in the wet.

Where do I park for Windlestraw Law?

Standard parking is at NT332368 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 Windlestraw Law?

The standard good-weather months for Windlestraw 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 Windlestraw Law?

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

How hard is Windlestraw Law?

Windlestraw Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 540m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Peaty top with hidden runnels — slow going in the wet.

Where do I park for Windlestraw Law?

Standard parking is at NT332368 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 Windlestraw Law?

The standard good-weather months for Windlestraw 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 Windlestraw 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 Lees / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Borders

Windlestraw Law

Windlestraw Law is the high point of the Moorfoot Hills — a great rolling stretch of moor between Innerleithen and the Edinburgh fringes. A fence-junction with a small cairn marks the top, set in a plain of bog cotton and short heather.

Quick facts

Height: 659.2m/ 2163ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 540 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT371430
Parking: NT332368
Nearest city: Edinburgh
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%

13km · 540m ascent · 3.5 hrs

The neatest approach climbs the south ridge from Innerleithen, gaining the watershed fence and following it east to the cairn. About 12km return with 540m of climb.

Terrain

Peaty top with hidden runnels — slow going in the wet. The watershed fence runs all the way across the plateau and is essential navigation in cloud.

In winter

Drifts heap against the watershed fence in westerlies; in easterlies the top scours bare. Modest height but real exposure on the plateau.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 43m
Edinburgh1h 47m

Parking: NT332368

OS maps: OS Landranger 73

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Clear views across the Moorfoot Hills.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 56mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:37
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:42
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

On a long-distance route

Windlestraw Law sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.

Southern Upland Way0km

Got a photo of Windlestraw Law?

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 Windlestraw Law 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

20km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Glenkinchie

Pencaitland — Edinburgh's neighbour; light, grassy Lowlander

25km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Windlestraw Law — common questions

How hard is Windlestraw Law?: Windlestraw Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 540m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Peaty top with hidden runnels — slow going in the wet.
Where do I park for Windlestraw Law?: Standard parking is at NT332368 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 Windlestraw Law?: The standard good-weather months for Windlestraw 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 Windlestraw 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 Windlestraw Law?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Clear views across the Moorfoot Hills.
Is Windlestraw Law safe in winter?: Drifts heap against the watershed fence in westerlies; in easterlies the top scours bare. Modest height but real exposure on the plateau.