Graham · Borders
Culter Fell
The highest point in South Lanarkshire and the dominant summit of the Culter Hills above Biggar. Its trig point looks across the Clyde-Tweed watershed to the Tweedsmuir Hills and on clear days to the Forth bridges and the Pentlands.
Quick facts
- Height
- 748.4m/ 2455ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 613 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT052290
- Parking
- NT048291
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
valley path 25% · moorland path 45% · grassy ridge 20% · summit area 10%
Park at the Culter Reservoir at the head of Culter Water and follow the gravel reservoir track north before striking up the grassy north-west ridge over Fell Shin. A clear quad track leads to the trig and beyond.
Terrain
Tarmac and gravel road for the approach, then short sheep-cropped grass with a faint quad track most of the way to the top. Few peat hags.
In winter
Southern Uplands snow is generally shallow but the open ridge is fully exposed to easterlies that can pile drifts against the cornice line on the east face. Frozen turf at this height needs simple care rather than crampons.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 24m
- Edinburgh1h 10m
OS maps: OS Landranger 72
Mobile signal: Good signal near Biggar; 2-3 bars on the summit
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:43
- Civil dawn
- 03:45
- Civil dusk
- 22:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Culter Fell.
Around Culter Fell on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Culter Fell — common questions
- How hard is Culter Fell?
- Culter Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 613m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Tarmac and gravel road for the approach, then short sheep-cropped grass with a faint quad track most of the way to the top.
- Where do I park for Culter Fell?
- Standard parking is at NT048291 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 Culter Fell?
- The standard good-weather months for Culter Fell are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Culter 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 Culter Fell?
- Good signal near Biggar; 2-3 bars on the summit
- Is Culter Fell safe in winter?
- Southern Uplands snow is generally shallow but the open ridge is fully exposed to easterlies that can pile drifts against the cornice line on the east face. Frozen turf at this height needs simple care rather than crampons.