How hard is Ballencleuch Law?

Ballencleuch Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 567m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep pasture and cropped grass throughout — among the firmest going of any Southern Uplands hill.

Where do I park for Ballencleuch Law?

Standard parking is at NS981018 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 Ballencleuch Law?

The standard good-weather months for Ballencleuch 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 Ballencleuch Law?

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

How hard is Ballencleuch Law?

Ballencleuch Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 567m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep pasture and cropped grass throughout — among the firmest going of any Southern Uplands hill.

Where do I park for Ballencleuch Law?

Standard parking is at NS981018 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 Ballencleuch Law?

The standard good-weather months for Ballencleuch 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 Ballencleuch 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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Graham · Southern Uplands

Ballencleuch Law

Ballencleuch Law (691m) is the highest of the western Lowther Hills, set in the NS90 square above the Dalveen Pass. The name comes from old Scots, meaning the law of the cleuch of the township. The trig stands beside a fence with the radar globe of Lowther Hill rising eastward across the pass.

Quick facts

Height: 691.4m/ 2268ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 567 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NS935049
Parking: NS981018
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 · 567m ascent · 3.5 hrs

From the layby at the head of the Dalveen Pass on the A702 follow the boundary fence north-west onto Wedder Law. The fence-line is unbroken across Comb Law to Ballencleuch Law, providing both path and navigation handrail. The summit pile sits beside the fence.

Terrain

Sheep pasture and cropped grass throughout — among the firmest going of any Southern Uplands hill. The fence-line stays just east of the watershed. Minor peat banks fill in after rain but never persist.

In winter

The Dalveen Pass funnels easterly snow and the broad ridge fills in quickly in cold spells. Excellent winter walking on firm turf, with the fence-line giving unfailing navigation. Wind chill on the exposed crest is the main hazard.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 39m
Edinburgh2h 49m

Parking: NS981018

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and O2 reliable. Southern Uplands viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 49mwalking daylight

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

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Ballencleuch 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

60km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Ballencleuch Law — common questions

How hard is Ballencleuch Law?: Ballencleuch Law is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 567m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Sheep pasture and cropped grass throughout — among the firmest going of any Southern Uplands hill.
Where do I park for Ballencleuch Law?: Standard parking is at NS981018 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 Ballencleuch Law?: The standard good-weather months for Ballencleuch 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 Ballencleuch 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 Ballencleuch Law?: Good signal on summit; EE and O2 reliable. Southern Uplands viewpoint.
Is Ballencleuch Law safe in winter?: The Dalveen Pass funnels easterly snow and the broad ridge fills in quickly in cold spells. Excellent winter walking on firm turf, with the fence-line giving unfailing navigation. Wind chill on the exposed crest is the main hazard.