Graham · Borders
Blackhope Scar
Blackhope Scar (651m) is the second summit of the Moorfoot Hills in the NT34 square, just over a kilometre north of Windlestraw Law. The high point is unmarked save for a slight rise in featureless grass, but the view east into the Tweed and Lammermuir country is unexpectedly grand from such a quiet top.
Quick facts
- Height
- 651.8m/ 2138ft
- Prominence
- 283 m
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 534 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT315483
- Parking
- NT303536
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 26km
- 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%
A circuit from Gladhouse Reservoir works well. Take the minor road south to the head of Toxside, then climb the rough track east onto Mauldslie Hill. From there a fence line south leads in easy stages over Bowbeat Hill and onto the high point at Blackhope Scar, returning via the watershed and forestry track to the reservoir.
Terrain
Reservoir tarmac and farm track first, then a soft peaty fence line north onto the moorland crest. The summit area is a swelling of cropped grass with no cairn — the wind turbines south of Bowbeat are a useful visual reference in clear weather.
In winter
The Moorfoot grass freezes hard in arctic outbreaks and walking briskly is the way to stay warm. Snow seldom lies more than a few days but when it does the smooth dome surfaces blend with sky in flat light. The fence lines remain the lifeline for navigation.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 46m
- Edinburgh1h 37m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73
Mobile signal: Good. EE and Vodafone reliable on the high moor; useful for a quick weather check.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:46
- Sunset
- 21:50
- Civil dawn
- 03:50
- Civil dusk
- 22:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Blackhope Scar.
Around Blackhope Scar on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Blackhope Scar — common questions
- Is Blackhope Scar a hard climb?
- Blackhope Scar is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Underfoot: Reservoir tarmac and farm track first, then a soft peaty fence line north onto the moorland crest.
- What is Blackhope Scar's prominence?
- 283m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Blackhope Scar to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Blackhope Scar?
- Most walkers start from NT303536. 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 Blackhope Scar?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Blackhope Scar. 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 Blackhope Scar 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 Blackhope Scar?
- Good. EE and Vodafone reliable on the high moor; useful for a quick weather check.
- Is Blackhope Scar safe in winter?
- The Moorfoot grass freezes hard in arctic outbreaks and walking briskly is the way to stay warm. Snow seldom lies more than a few days but when it does the smooth dome surfaces blend with sky in flat light. The fence lines remain the lifeline for navigation.
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