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
- Prominence
- 204 m
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 567 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NS935049
- Parking
- NS981018
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 29km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%
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
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 39m
- Edinburgh2h 49m
OS maps: OS Landranger 78
Mobile signal: Good signal throughout; EE and O2 reliable. Southern Uplands viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:57
- Sunset
- 21:45
- Civil dawn
- 04:04
- Civil dusk
- 22:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 17 July 2026
Around Ballencleuch Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ballencleuch Law — common questions
- How hard is Ballencleuch Law?
- We grade Ballencleuch Law at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. The usual route is around 13km with 567m of climbing; allow 3-6 hours. Underfoot: Sheep pasture and cropped grass throughout — among the firmest going of any Southern Uplands hill.
- What is Ballencleuch Law's prominence?
- 204m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Ballencleuch Law to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Ballencleuch Law?
- Most walkers start from NS981018. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ballencleuch Law?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Ballencleuch Law. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Ballencleuch Law dog-friendly?
- 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 throughout; 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.
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